Decoded
by Jay-Z
Published By: Random House, 2010
Genre: Nonfiction | Biography & Memoir, Arts & Entertainment
Page Count: 352 (Paperback)
ISBN: 9780812981155
Publisher’s Description
‘Hip-hop’s undisputed king’ shares his story, his lyrics and his inspiration
Updated with 3 new songs, this is the intimate, first-person chronicle of the life and work of Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter in Brooklyn’s notorious Marcy Projects, now known to many as the greatest rapper alive.
Told through lyrics, images, and personal narrative, Decoded shares the story of Jay-Z’s life through the 10 codes that define him, giving an unparalleled insight into his background, influences, and the artistic process that shapes his work. Each chapter features a highly personal narrative section followed by a visually captivating selection of his most famous and provocative lyrics underlining the chapter’s themes, along with Jay-Z’s own ‘decoding’ of each lyric, uncovering the wordplay and stories behind the song.
This is a brilliant insight into the art and poetry of hip-hop, as well as the life of one of the genre’s greatest artists.
About the Author
Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as JAY-Z (formerly stylized as Jay-Z and Jay-Z), is an American rapper, record executive, and entrepreneur. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, he is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records. He won 21 Grammy Awards, the most for a rap artist, and holds the record for most No. 1 albums by a rapper on the Billboard 200 chart.
Carter was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and grew up in the Marcy Houses, a public housing project in Bedford-Stuyvesant. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. The album was a commercial success and helped to establish Carter as one of the most prominent figures in hip-hop.
Carter released several more successful albums in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003), and Late Registration (2005). He also founded his own record label, Roc-A-Fella Records, in 1996, and later co-founded Def Jam Recordings in 2004.
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Carter continued to release successful albums, including American Gangster (2007), Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West, and Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013). He also starred in the film Annie (2014) and launched his own clothing line, Shawn Carter Classic.
In 2017, Carter released his thirteenth studio album, 4:44, which was met with critical acclaim. The album won five Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album. Carter also became the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Carter is a highly successful entrepreneur and investor. He has partnered with several companies, including Budweiser, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft. He also owns the sports marketing agency Roc Nation Sports and the music streaming service Tidal.
Carter is married to singer Beyoncé, and they have three children together.