Week 10: Essay #2 (final hip hop definition)

Week 9: Decoded

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Week 9: Decoded

1) What is the "hustler's story," and why does Jay-Z think it's such a strong hip-hop narrative? How does this narrative compare with and draw upon other American mythologies, literary or otherwise?

The ‘hustler’s story’ accounts for how a person can rise to glory and stardom through art, especially music. In his book, Decoded, Jay-Z thinks the ‘hustler’s story’ is such a strong hip-hop narrative because it has connected him with a global audience; thus, making him popular ((Jay-Z, 2010). The artist-cum-author believes that the ‘hustler’s story’ inspires people to make a living and succeed through hustling. Using this narrative in hip-hop music motivates the struggling youngsters who love Jay-Z’s music. In his book, Jay-Z affirms the importance of the hustler’s story by saying that: “The deeper we get into those sidewalk cracks and into the mind of the young hustler trying to find his fortune there, the closer we get to the ultimate human story, the story of struggle, which is what defines us all” (Jay-Z, 2010). Like other American mythologies, literary or otherwise, the hip-hop narrative uses a popular concept with a section of the population to motivate them to surmount their difficulties.

2) What are your first impressions of the FORM of this book? Think about the photos, layout, and overall composition. How does it reflect and/or support the story that Jay-Z is trying to tell? Go beyond saying you like or don't like the form of the book. Explain it as if you are talking to someone who has not seen the book. Bring the reader into your vision of the text. We all see things differently, and I'd like you to articulate your viewpoint. If you are reading an electronic version of the book (or an electronically enhanced version), please give us your impressions of that form. Your experience with the text will be different from those who have a hard copy.

Decoded, Jay-Z’s autobiography is a unique book, especially for a person coming across it for the first time. My first impression of the form of this book is that of a collection of lyrics. This is because the book is about Jay-Z’s hip hop life and features a collection of lyrics together with their meaning. The book's photos, layout, and overall composition contribute immensely to the story that the author tries to tell; the story of rap. Specifically, they reinforce the hustler's story in the hip-hop narrative. More importantly, the text – lyrics and their meaning – tell the story of not only a form of art, that is, hip hop or rap music, but also a culture and a defining moment in the history of music in America (Jay-Z, 2010). Reading through the content of an electronic version of the Decoded, one gets to understand how rhymes flow, link and collapse into new verses of rap lyrics. Moreover, one gets to appreciate rap artistry and understand street language through a poetic writer who artistically weaves words to create a story that resonates with the beat.

Reference

Jay-Z. (2010). Decoded. New York, NY: Random House.