I picked up this book earlier this morning - Jay-Z, Made in America by Michael Eric Dyson . I am clearly very intrigued by Jay-Z’s line of ‘you only have this one chance’ as it's such a powerful line to me. I wanted to understand more on what made him, him.
This is a great book - it was a fast read, I finished it in 1.5 hrs BUT it's not meant to be read fast. I have read many books on musicians and artists but none like this - Michael Eric is an incredible author - it pairs his lyrics to what he was feeling, going through and it just amps you up. I would love to sit in on of Michael’s lecture sessions.
When I have more time, I would read this book again and just immerse myself with the song and lyrics
This book is also a great pick me up if you need a booster - it talks abt Jay-Z’s drive on hustling from where he came from and where he is now, on his love for art and its infusion in his hip hop. His way of protesting brutality is by getting better in life. I really love this thought process.
His thoughts on politics, even his fights and arguments are wrapped up in his lyrics and poetic. This book also covers his relationships with LeBron James, Nipsey, Biggie, Drake, Nas, TuPac, 50 cents and more.
Jay-Z is super tight on his close circle, this is his trusted group. And there is so much uplifting and giving back to society.
I read abt Picasso Baby from this book and it was my first time watching it. He paid his homage to Marina Abromovic and many other great and talented artist - and HOT DAMN - if you want to understand what art in hip hop is, this is it. Jay Z does not write his lyrics down, everything is natural.
This was just an absolutely beautiful performance art