As the release date of his new book Decoded approaches, Jay-Z had some interesting things to say about reflecting on his past lyrics and how he rapped about women.  Find out how his thinking has shifted inside...

While working on his new book, "Decoded" in which the lyrics to his songs are printed out and explained, Jay-Z admits he regrets his songs that didn't present women...or his opinion of them...in the best light. 

"Some [lyrics] become really profound when you see them in writing. Not 'Big Pimpin.' That's the exception.  It was like, I can't believe I said that. And kept saying it. What kind of animal would say this sort of thing? Reading it is really harsh."

The lyrics to that track mainly talked about him having women sexually available to him at all times, something he has abandoned since marrying Beyonce in 2008.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Jay-Z said,

"We have to find our way back to true emotion. This is going to sound so sappy, but love is the only thing that stands the test of time.  The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was all about love. Andre 3000, The Love Below.  Even N.W.A, at its core -- that was about love for a neighborhood."

I see his point.

He also said he'd like to hear more about the real challenges facing people today, like the housing crisis and unemployment.  Remember the time before gangsta rap when Public Enemy was the CNN for black people? That's what Jay's talking about.  And he cites hip-hop's efforts to help Barack Obama elected as proof the community can help foster social change.

"Whether he does a great job or not is almost secondary to what it did for the dreams and the hopes of an entire race.  Just based on that alone, it's a success -- the biggest we've had. ... It's Martin Luther King's dream realized. Tangible. In the flesh. You can shake his hand."

Decoded, which was co-authored by writer-filmmaker Dream Hampton, will be released on November 16th.