Decoded
  • Published: 15 December 2010
  • ISBN: 9780753546154
  • Imprint: Virgin Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 352

Decoded

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'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.
  • Published: 15 December 2010
  • ISBN: 9780753546154
  • Imprint: Virgin Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 352
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About the author

Jay Z

Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. He is one of the most successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs of all time.

portrait photo of Jay Z

Praise for Decoded

People don't just expect new records from Jay - they expect epochal events, game-changing statements

Rolling Stone

Hip-hop's undisputed king

The Times

The most successful rapper alive

Guardian

The undisputed king of rap

NME

Will Self dismissed rap as unmelodic, inarticulate ranting - until Jay-Z's eloquent memoir and an anthology of lyrics came along to change his mind

The Times

Gripping...a classily produced mash-up of memoir, lyrical analysis and coffee-table art book..this book is eye-opening...Both fans and newcomers alike should be left with a deepened appreciation for the verbal dexterity of a conflicted man

The Daily Telegraph

A riveting insight

The News of the World

A must-read for anyone seeking insight into why hip hop has been the essential musical narrative of recent decades

Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph