![]() The book's cover | |
Author | Jay-Z |
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Cover artist | Rodrigo Corral |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Subject | Autobiography |
Genre | Non-fiction |
Published | November 16, 2010 (hardcover) November 1, 2011 (paperback) |
Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) |
Pages | 336 (hardcover) 352 (paperback) |
ISBN | 1400068924 |
Decoded is the autobiography and memoir of rapper Jay-Z, published by Random House and released November 16, 2010 on hardcover and November 1, 2011 on paperback. [1] The book combines lyrics, their explanations, anecdotes, reflections, and autobiographical information. Jay-Z explains three reasons he wanted to write the book; it being a case for hip-hop lyrics as poetry, tells a generational story turned into powerful experiences, and revolved as a story everyone can relate to. [2]
The book follows very rough chronological order, while switching from current stories to Jay-Z's story of growing up in the Marcy Projects. The autobiographical portion focuses on growing up in poverty which led to him to drug dealing during the crack epidemic, fights, and a need to share the hustlers story during the beginnings in rap. His reflections on those harsh times shaped who he is and how artists are shaped by such experiences.
Jay-Z explains the stresses of the rap industry and the celebrity life, while also trying to put it in perspective. He illustrates this point by explaining that when he and Puff Daddy were being charged with assault there were hundreds of cameras outside the courthouse of Puff Daddy's trial and the courthouse where the perpetrator of the World Trade Center bombing was being tried was empty.
Along with the narrative, there is also a substantial portion of the book dedicated to Jay-Z's opinions and reflections, which are often illustrated with stories. Jay-Z expounds on his relationship with Barack Obama and his involvement in politics, as well as his thoughts on the Hurricane Katrina.
Jay-Z reflects on his life and especially his beginnings. He explains that he still considers himself a hustler, despite being a corporate billionaire now as founder of Roc-A-Fella Records. He continues and describes the comparisons between drug dealing, rapping, and boxing and how his life in the streets has molded who he is and no matter how he lives now, he still acknowledges his roots.
The book contains lyrics to thirty-six songs with some songs having only part of the song. [3] Along with the lyrics, there are annotations and footnotes that Jay-Z writes to explain the lyrics to the reader. The explanations range from just explaining what a "brick" is to in depth analysis and explanation of lines that underscore the points that Jay-Z makes in his writing.
Most of the criticism is that the book is not personal enough and does not provide enough detail of Jay-Z's life. Simon Vozick-Levinson writes in Entertainment Weekly "Despite the career he has made out of rapping in the first person, Jay-Z is known for prizing privacy. His new book 'Decoded' may not erase that reputation." Although Vozick Levinson expands and reveals "it is nonetheless Shawn Carter's most honest airing of the experiences he drew on to create the mythic figure of Jay-Z," while giving the book a grade of A−. [4]
Adam Bradley of Barnes & Noble criticizes the structure of the book because it is not organized by chronological order, but by subject as well as criticizes its lack of depth in some areas by explaining "At times, these subject-driven sections leave one dissatisfied with the level of revelation and reflection, such as in his cursory treatment of race relations." [5]
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On June 13, 2012 a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California accusing Jay-Z and coauthor Dream Hampton of copyright infringement and invasion of privacy for Decoded. The lawsuit, filed by Patrick White, also names Random House, the company that published Decoded. White alleges "In 2009, my personal computer was compromised, resulting in my personal work to be used in Jay-Z's book Decoded which was released in 2010." [6] White is claiming that he was working on a book on his personal computer when it was compromised and when reading Decoded, he noticed a resemblance in "expressions/color/phrases, which correlates to my work." [6] In the handwritten lawsuit, White alleges that he sought out Jay-Z and Dream Hampton, but they were unresponsive to his contact. [7]
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Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, better known by his stage name Nas, is an American rapper. Rooted in East Coast hip hop, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas began his musical career in 1989 under the moniker "Nasty Nas", and recorded demos for fellow East Coast rapper Large Professor. He was later featured on the 1991 song "Live at the Barbeque" by his group, Main Source.
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Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. Known for his involvement in the success of other artists, he was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. He is the founder and chairman of entertainment company Roc Nation, and was the president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007.
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Antonio Hardy, better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip hop. Rolling Stone ranked his song "Ain't No Half-Steppin'" number 25 on its list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, calling him "a master wordsmith of rap's late-golden age and a huge influence on a generation of MCs".
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