Decoded reveals meaning of Jay-Z's lyrics, identity

By Connor Hayes     12/2/10 6:00pm

Shawn Carter's aptly titled book, Decoded, is a deep exploration into his monumental rap identity, "Jay-Z," and the lyrics behind his work. His significant influence not just as a rapper, but also as a businessman, entrepreneur and media mogul is juxtaposed with his violent, drug-ridden beginnings.The book's design, with Carter as the art director, is consistently beautiful. Clean lines and images correspond with the constantly changing topics, and the front cover is a striking all-gold reproduction of Andy Warhol's "Rorschach." Unfortunately, Decoded's excellent design definitely overshadows the storytelling.

Internal conflict and identity struggle are perhaps the book's most pertinent themes. Carter demonstrates his frustration over constantly being held accountable for his lyrics. His evolution over time, however, seems to run parallel to the development of the rap industry, from a near-delinquent staple of the projects to a sophisticated multi-billion dollar industry. He criticizes the likes of former President George W. Bush for his lackluster response to Hurricane Katrina and Noel Gallagher of Oasis for discouraging a hip-hop performance at the legendary Glastonbury Music Festival in England; this highlights of the urban empowerment that have fueled the rap game's against-all-odds transition from an underground habit to a mainstream lifestyle.

The focus of Decoded revolves around how Carter's career has reshaped him as a rapper and a man. Carter's central metamorphosis was going from selling drugs to trusting his love of rapping, which amplified his complete turnaround from political apathy to his heavy involvement with President Barack Obama's 2008 bid for the presidency. On one page, he criticizes former President Bill Clinton for "trying to prove to white America that he could stand up to black people," while on the next he forgives Clinton and admits that he's "not exactly the same person [he] was in 1992" and that "everyone needs a chance to evolve."

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Carter's explanations of his lyrics reveal interesting motivations such as the intentional contrast between sound and subject matter in "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)." The song, which boasts a beat inspired by the musical Annie, involves drug-game imagery that discusses "dope spots" and fleeing murder scenes. He also reveals how his line in the song "Public Service Announcement (Interlude)" that claims "I'm like Che Guevara with bling on/I'm complex," is in response to a reporter who once asked him how he could simultaneously sport a shirt displaying the face of the famed revolutionary and a diamond-encrusted cross. This line, proclaiming that Carter is a self-perceived enigma, simplifies the central argument of the book. He's complex, life's complex. We get it.

While die-hard fans of Jay-Z will appreciate his commentary and constant efforts to clear the air on the misunderstandings and controversies of his career, casual listeners might lose interest while reading Decoded. Even with occasionally choppy storytelling, the in-depth lyrical analyses and attention to design and detail hold the book together, making it a solid, quick read for fans of Hova.

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