Decoded

Decoded is the autobiography and memoir of rapper Jay-Z, published by Random House and released November 16, 2010 on hardcover and November 1, 2011 on paperback. The book combines lyrics, their explanations, anecdotes, reflections, and autobiographical information. Jay-Z explains three reasons he wanted to write the book; it being a case for hip-hop lyrics as poetry, tells a generational story turned into powerful experiences, and revolved as a story everyone can relate to. Summary Narrative The book follows very rough chronological order, while switching from current stories to Jay-Z's story of growing up in the Marcy Projects. The autobiographical portion focuses on growing up in poverty which led to him to drug dealing during the crack epidemic, fights, and a need to share the hustlers story during the beginnings in rap. His reflections on those harsh times shaped who he is and how artists are shaped by such experiences. Celebrity life Jay-Z explains the stresses of the rap industry and the celebrity life, while also trying to put it in perspective. He illustrates this point by explaining that when he and Puff Daddy were being charged with assault there were hundreds of cameras outside the courthouse of Puff Daddy's trial and the courthouse where the perpetrator of the World Trade Center bombing was being tried was empty.