Decoded

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. Praise for Decoded “Compelling . . . 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 “One of a handful of books that just about any hip hop fan should own.” — The New Yorker “Elegantly designed, incisively written . . . an impressive leap by a man who has never been known for small steps.” — Los Angeles Times “A riveting exploration of Jay-Z’s journey . . . So thoroughly engrossing, it reads like a good piece of cultural journalism.” — The Boston Globe “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 “Hip-hop’s renaissance man drops a classic. . . . Heartfelt, passionate and slick.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Decoded ... 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--dust Jacket. Part 1. One Eye Open -- The Revolutionary T-shirt -- Public Service Announcement (the Black Album) -- American Dreamin' (american Gangster) -- Early This Morning (unreleased) -- Honor Among Predators -- Coming Of Age (reasonable Doubt) -- Coming Of Age (da Sequel) (vol. 2 ... Hard Knock Life) -- D'evils (reasonable Doubt) -- Negative Space -- 99 Problems (the Black Album) -- Ignorant Shit (american Gangster) -- Part 2. I Will Not Lose -- Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Star -- Most Kings (unreleased) -- Success (american Gangster) -- Renegade (the Blueprint) -- Can I Live? (reasonable Doubt) -- Balling And Falling -- Fallin' (american Gangster) -- Big Pimpin' (vol. 3 ... Life And Times Of S. Carter) -- Streets Is Watching (in My Lifetime, Vol. 1) -- Beat The System Before It Beats You -- Operation Corporate Takeover (mix Tape Freestyle) -- Moment Of Clarity (the Black Album) -- A Stern Discipline -- Breathe Easy (lyrical Exercise) (the Blueprint) -- My 1st Song (the Black Album) -- Part 3. Politics As Usual -- White America -- Young Gifted And Black (s. Carter Collection) -- Hell Yeah (pimp The System) (revolutionary But Gangsta) -- Ears Wide Open -- Beware (jay-z Remix) (beware) -- Blue Magic (american Gangster) -- Cautionary Tales -- This Life Forever (black Gangster) -- Meet The Parents (the Bluprint2: The Lift & The Curse) -- Where I'm From (in My Lifetime, Vol. 1) -- Funeral Parade -- Minority Report (kingdom Come) -- Dynasty (intro) (the Dynasty: Roc La Familia) -- My President Is Black (unreleased) -- Part 4. Come And Get Me -- The Voice In Your Head Is Right -- Regrets (reasonable Doubt) -- This Can't Be Life (the Dynasty: Roc La Familia) -- Soon You'll Understand (the Dynasty: Roc La Familia) -- Instant Karma -- Beach Chair (kingdom Come) -- Lucifer (the Black Album) -- Our Life -- December 4th (the Black Album) -- History (unreleased). Jay-z. Expanded paperback edition of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller features 16 pages of new material, including 3 new songs decoded.
 
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. The controversial hip-hop artist presents the story of his life and career through lyrics, images, and a personal narrative that also offers insight into his creative process. **Expanded edition of the acclaimed __New York Times__ bestseller features 16 pages of new material, including 3 new songs decoded.**__Decoded__