Check out a preview of Jay-Z’s GOTHAM magazine article (on newsstands now)!
When Jay-Z enters the 50th birthday celebration of music magnate Lyor Cohen, his friend and mentor, he’s wearing black from head to toe and his signature Tom Ford sunglasses. His demonstrative wife, Beyonce Knowles, is with him. There’s no need for him to check out the scene because the entire scene descends upon him, and it’s clear it’s something he’s used to.
“I don’t dislike anything about myself,” he says. “I know this sounds a little arrogant but I really accept what God has given me. I’ve got a short temper but I work on controlling it. I can say inappropriate things because I believe them to be true and sometimes that can be hurtful to others. But I think in the long run it is more helpful.”
In the midst of one of the most successful hip-hop careers in history, Jay-Z, who turns 40 next month, has a lot to be thankful for. He was born Shawn Carter in 1969 and grew up in the Marcy Houses project of Brooklyn as “Jazzy.” He was abandoned by his father at 11, shot his older brother for stealing at 12 and sold crack at 13. It wasn’t until he released his first album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996 on his label Roc-a-Fella Records that the then 26-year old left drug dealing, gangs and poverty behind. “[Making music] is a gift from God,” he says. “I put it to the side for so long because it was so easy. It took me a while to really know it was my true calling. I wanted to tell my story.”
Read the full article HERE.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
So this nicca sold drugs for 13 years and only stopped when reasonable doubt came out? He sold drugs longer than he’s been a successful rapper… This kind of bullshit “success story” is one of the biggest problems with young America today. A drug dealer doing benefit concerts for terror victims and buying b-ball teams… gimmie a fucking break. and they say Rush fucking Limbaugh is too controversial to own a pro team….. Can’t wait for Beans to go in on the Camel something serious.
Beanie sold drugs and ended up in jail all the time with nothing to give back , Jay sold drugs and made a better life for himself along the way he gave back something. Neither was the right way , however most kids would choose Jay over BEANS any day.
The problem with young america has nothing to do with Jay-z , Its the Parents , better parenting and serious guidance is what our children need, not preaching fast money , thug life and Fairy tale shit.
dont argue with fools… it never helps
Wow a lot of hate! Unlike the moron Beanie Siegel who chose to continue his life of crime while being a successful artist, now isn’t that foolish! MAy his career go the same way as that of Joe Buddens for biting the hand that fed him and his mother and his wife and his children for oooo sooo long!
FREEMASONS STAND UP
Sick and tired of this nigga….overexposure is a bitch.
Jay keep doing your thing. You’re motivating a lot of dudes to rise from nothing and became everything in the face of adversity! Skys the limit!