Decoded - Jay-z

Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time. nDecoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time. n nPraise for Decoded nCompelling... provocative, evocative... Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author's own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough worlds Jay-Z navigated in his youth, while at the same time deconstructing his lyrics.--Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times n n One of a handful of books that just about any hip hop fan should own.--The New Yorker n n Elegantly designed, incisively written... an impressive leap by a man who has never been known for small steps.--Los Angeles Times n n A riveting exploration of Jay-Z's journey... So thoroughly engrossing, it reads like a good piece of cultural journalism.--The Boston Globe n n Shawn Carter's most honest airing of the experiences he drew on to create the mythic figure of Jay-Z... The scenes he recounts along the way are fascinating.--Entertainment Weekly n nHip-hop's renaissance man drops a classic.... Heartfelt, passionate and slick.--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)n