I am talking about the rapper. I know you may not agree with me on this one, but I HAVE to talk about it.
I love rap. There, I said it. It's more than just beats, cuss words, and drugs. It's about rappers talking about life as they know it. Jay Z wrote a book called Decoded. In this book, he takes the lyrics to his songs and tells how they apply to his life. It's the best non fiction book I've ever read. He's not my favorite rapper, but I do life him...and yes, it's partly because he's married to Beyonce.
I saw this book advertised on Oprah a few months ago. I really enjoyed Oprah's interview with him. Unlike most of her visitors, she and Jay Z don't have much in common...nor do they agree on some major topics in the black community. I bought the book before I left for South Africa and finished it 12 hours into my trip. I absolutely could not put it down, and I am still talking about it.
Jay Z takes the things that happened in his life, tells you about it, and then takes the songs he wrote that go with his life and tells you about it. As you may, or may not, know Jay Z sold crack to provide for his family after his dad left. (Yes, I know...he could have worked at McDonald's. But he didn't) He describes why and how he got started as a dealer. He tells what he had to do in order to get where he is now. He describes his whole ride to become one of the greatest rappers of my time.
I think I can relate with this book because of the children I am surrounded by daily. I chose to work where I do. And I love it most days, but the reality of it all is that some of the work I do is useless. I believe in my children, I encourage them, but I know I can't change the entire course of their lives. It's a strong possibility that some of the boys I love the most may spend their lives selling drugs trying to make a way for themselves, or because it's the easy thing to do. It's a hard reality to face. Reading this book gave me a new sight to the world I work in. I want to understand as much as I can, and reading this book explains a new reasoning.
**Footnote: I do NOT agree with drug dealers, but I did enjoy this book. Jay Z, you represent hope.
