In order to gain a more thorough understanding of JAY-Z, it requires a commitment to combing through his discography and actively listening to his words beyond the surface level. It’s part of the reason why so many of his fans adamantly defend the depth of JAY-Z’s artistry, as it’s entirely possible his detractors haven’t even heard his most compelling material. Songs like “Song Cry” on The Blueprint, “Meet The Parents” and “Bonnie & Clyde 03” on Blueprint 2, “Where Have You Been” and the powerful “This Can’t Be Life” with Beanie Sigel and Scarface on Roc La Familia provide welcome character development for the Jigga Man, who tends to reveal his more personal moments on the deeper cuts. That’s not to say he was entirely closed off. Prior to the release of The Black Album in 2003, JAY-Z was relatively guarded. Some artists tend to be far more forthcoming. Were they interested in getting to know an artist - what makes them tick, their principles and desires, their philosophies, moral compass alignments - the music was the primary means of connection.
Long before every extracurricular activity a rapper may or may not have engaged in could make headlines in mere minutes, fans were given a relatively straightforward choice. For JAY-Z, a stoic lyricist who tended to keep fans at an arm's length, mystique played a pivotal role in establishing his mythic status.Ĭonsider a time before the internet exploded into what it was today.
Especially those who succeed at keeping their private lives private. All too often, a rapper can appear larger than life, impervious to a deeper character study. Expressing vulnerability goes a long way in forging genuine connections between artists and listeners. Though more or less guarded throughout his career, JAY-Z's vulnerability rose to the forefront on "Moment Of Clarity."Īny rapper seeking to solidify a position as the greatest of all time, or at least consideration, cannot hide behind a mask.
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