Can’t Knock the Hustle.
Jay-Z has always been a favorite of mine. I started listening to his music around 2002, but of course I didn’t understand what most of his lyrics meant. I didn’t really start listening to his music until my first few years while in undergrad. His lyrics became much more clearer to me. After this moment of clarity, I went back and listened to his older works. And I realized that this guy is nothing short of a genius.
http://youtu.be/hvXW8tRcWhU#aid=P-IrLUi4lgo
But he’s not only a genius.. a businessman.. no wait, he’s a business man.. but more importantly to me, he’s a master of his art. He’s why I still listen to rap music.
So you can imagine how my eyes were glued to the television when I first saw his 3 minute commercial. And you can probably imagine how many times I’ve had the youtube video on a loop. And every blog I visit, I play the video like I haven’t watched it a few times already.
http://youtu.be/B–ZARCwSIE#aid=P-IrLUi4lgo
This video literally gave me chills. I love hearing different styles of music. Different sounds. Different beats. Different melodies. The music nowadays always sound the same and lack immeasurable quality. But I am NEVER let down by this guy. And after 3-4 minutes of those sounds, those beats.. those melodies.. it’s safe to say that I. Got. My. Life.
Not everyone is a fan. That I know. I’m not sure if I want to call myself a fan simply because I associate the term with being a fan of music. And I admire more than that.
I admire his finesse. His love for his art. The work that he puts into himself.. into his brand. His assurance through his own ways of exudation.
Yes, I will be downloading the app. Yes, I will be purchasing the album. But after reading this post, I’m sure you had already drawn that conclusion.
Shannon
June 22, 2013 at 9:09 pmI use to be a huge Jay-Z fan. I still like his music but not as much as I use to because I’ve found some really good, underrated rap artists that I enjoy a lot.
Kakers
June 23, 2013 at 3:14 pmWho are you listening to? I love finding newbies that are better than people with record deals lol.
Kakers
June 23, 2013 at 3:14 pmI was a major fan of his music the words the flow the beats. Now I’m kinda over him, It’s mainly because I feel like he’s overexpose. To much of a good thing can be bad. He has something new all the time. Not that I won’t buy the album or jack it off my brother iTunes account. He’s an amazing artist, and businessman. I admire him on a business level that one day I will be able to break the mode as a upcoming black business woman.
My ADD kicked in so bad during that commercial I gave up and just ask with the hell the point was. My roommate told me is was about a new album and he’s was giving free to Galaxy 4 user. I rolled my eyes and said “and it took him 5 mins to get to that point?” I really wish that was just a YouTube video and not a commercial. I can’t pay attention to thing that long but if the music I heard on that short film he made I’m down. (I hope Kanye isn’t on it)
Mimi
June 24, 2013 at 6:46 amI’ve been a fan since Reasonable Doubt. He does have a way with words.
G K
June 25, 2013 at 11:56 amI like Jay-Z, too — for the same reasons I like his wife. They’re both hardworking, they don’t care if we like them, they do their own thing, and they stay to themselves. Yet they’re both very relevant at what they do and are known as some of the best in their field.
Cam | Bibs & Baubles
June 26, 2013 at 4:03 pmOn top of all that… he’s pretty much the poster child for diversify!
Yetti-Writes
June 28, 2013 at 10:31 pmIf I could pick his brain man… he’s so intelligent… and in tune with his talents it’s unbelievable.
Inspiring.
Chymere Anais
June 30, 2013 at 8:53 amI consider myself to be a Jay fan as well …and even though I listen to a variety of artist, both mainstream and underground…it never takes away from my admiration for the music…nor the individual. The first rap song I really ever learned was Renegade ft. Eminem from the first Blueprint. To this day, I still know every single word and can relate closely to it.
I’ll be getting the album…and is it free for Galaxy users or Galaxy 4 users? Either way, I’ll be purchasing. I really enjoyed his last Blueprint and I”m anxious to hear how this one sounds.
Britton
June 30, 2013 at 4:18 pmIt’s funny because I’ve never been a real Jay fan from the beginning, I fell in love with him with his Black album (funny it was supposed to be the last one and that’s when I first started liking him). I’m excited about Magna Carta Holy Grail!
Krissy
July 9, 2013 at 1:51 pmI love the new album I’m listening to it right now! I’ve been a fan since his 1st album.