
Oprah’s people have posted a sneak peek of her and Jay-Z’s interview that will be published in the October issue of O magazine. Here it is:
At 13 he was selling crack. By 30 he was a hip-hop legend—having gone, in his words, “from grams to Grammys.” Now Jay-Z charts his escape from the hard-knock life, describes the reunion that healed the wounds of his childhood—and even reveals the standing Sunday date he has with what’s her name.
The complete interview will be available in the October 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, on newsstands September 15th. Get a first look right here.
Oprah: So tell me how you got into the drug dealing.
Jay-Z: It was natural.…
Oprah: Because drug dealers were your role models. There wasn’t a teacher or a lawyer or a nurse or a doctor or an accountant in the neighborhood?
Jay-Z: Well, we were living in Marcy by then, so, no. And if anyone did become something like that, they moved out. They never came back to share the wisdom of how they made it. If anyone made it, you never knew it. That’s why I’ve always said that if I became successful, I’d come back here, grab somebody, and show him how it can be done.
Oprah: So by the time you were 13, this was a way of life. Did the lifestyle frighten you?
Jay-Z: No. It was normal. And at some point, you become addicted to the feeling. The uncertainty and adrenaline and danger of that lifestyle.
Oprah: This is where we differ. This is where we differ. Because I’d be very scared! Weren’t you shot at three times—within six feet—and you lived to talk about it?
Jay-Z: That was divine intervention. Divine intervention, and nobody knowing how to shoot.
Oprah: What happened in each situation?
Jay-Z: It was one situation, three shots.
Oprah: So he was a bad shot.
Jay-Z: Well, no one really practices shooting a TEC-9 machine gun, right? And when you’re a kid, with little bony arms—no wonder nobody could aim.
Oprah: Many of the little boys who grew up in the Marcy projects are either in jail or dead. Why do you think you got to grow up and buy your mom a house?
Jay-Z: There’s the gift, there’s the spirit, and there’s the work—all three have to come together. If one of those things is off, it can stop you from becoming who you were meant to be.
Oprah: When I met you a few years ago, we discussed our disagreement over the use of the N word and misogynist lyrics in rap music. Do you believe that using the N word is necessary?
Jay-Z: Nothing is necessary. It’s just become part of the way we communicate. My generation hasn’t had the same experience with that word that generations of people before us had. We weren’t so close to the pain. So in our way, we disarmed the word. We took the fire pin out of the grenade.
Jay talking about his wedding when you read the rest…
Jay-Z on the wedding
Oprah: Do you and Beyoncé have a pact that you just won’t talk about each other?
Jay-Z: Yeah. When you’re a public person, you have to keep some things to yourself, or else people will just—
Oprah: Eat it up. I know. But can I ask how in the world you kept your wedding a secret?
Jay-Z: Late planning!
Oprah: How many people knew?
Jay-Z: Very few. The sad part is that we offended some. But people who love you understand. Because at the end of the day, it’s your day.
Oprah: So here we are, talking on a Sunday afternoon. If you weren’t sitting here with me, what would you be doing?
Jay-Z: I’m gonna get killed for this, but I’ll tell you anyway. There’s a great pizza spot we go to every Sunday. It’s our tradition. It’s a small place in Brooklyn, you can bring your own wine, and there are candles there. It’s a nice date.
Source
And here’s Jay-Z’s promo with FUSE TV for his upcoming Sept. 11th benefit concert.













Wed, September 2, 2009 1:34 PM
Sounds like a good interview.
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:34 PM
Nice!! Love Jay-z
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:34 PM
Big up Jay… love to see a black man thriving!
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:35 PM
I love Jay but i’m sorry, if it were’nt for Beyonce, Oprah’s ass would have not done this interview. His story ain;t no different from many rappers out there. Love ya Lady O but r’ummmmm……..Thats all
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:35 PM
This is great! Can’t wait to read the entire interview
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:36 PM
Oh GAWD!
Another Jay post? is it his birthday or something?
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:37 PM
yuuuuuPPPP….shouts to JiggamAnnn…go support him….
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:37 PM
That little blurb made me love Jay – as a person – even more.
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:38 PM
Jay is my dude. You can bull shit with rap if you want.
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:38 PM
I love Jay and Beyonce together though. I love the datenight pizza thing. lol
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:42 PM
I heart Jay-Z. He really seems like a good guy. I look forward to reading the entire interview.
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:42 PM
Jay Z needs to revisit that statement about the N-word because what he said is absolutely not true. Hip hop has not disarmed the power of that word.
I am as old him and grew up in the south in a white neighborhood. That was word was used on me on regular basis. It’s as painful now as it was then.
Why are we the only race that allows ourselves to be constantly degraded…
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:43 PM
Lmao… Naw but get ready hers (Bey) is coming up.
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:48 PM
Singing Sunshine Anderson “Heard It All Before” :|
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:50 PM
For everyone who has something negative to say about Jay look at this guy and what he’s doing for our culture. This dude brought Oprah to Marcy projects, like I don’t think you know how big that is for hip hop. This dude is not like any of these rappers if anything he is leading the way. I like to see someone come from nothing to something, just gives you hope on things, that with a drive and a will you can do it.
“There’s the gift, there’s the spirit, and there’s the work—all three have to come together”. If one of those things is off, it can stop you from becoming who you were meant to be. your drive and will far surpasses the gift tho
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:50 PM
I agree! Makes him sound more human, more real
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:51 PM
Interesting interview…Jay Z life story is similiar to THOUSANDS of guys and girls out there. His music now isn’t really telling me or anyone I know something we don’t already know. At the end of the day he’s entertainment and entertainment is about making money. Successful people are those who take care of their children everyday…go to work everyday..and those of us who do what we have to do to make it and bring others along with us!
You want to interview success and you’ll find yourself interviewing alot of normal middle class people all over the world, our measure of success in America is misunderstood.
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:53 PM
I love Jay, and I love Oprah for interviewing him. I hate that people think that Jay wouldnt be recognized if it werent for the girl he is married to….I have never seen Beyonce on the Oprah, or in the magazine…
Wed, September 2, 2009 1:59 PM
HEY MR CARTER…I love this dude no really I do
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:00 PM
CUTE! Thx for this cuz I don’t magazines!!!! ahaahhahahaha
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:02 PM
TRUTH!!!!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:03 PM
beyonce has been on oprah like 4 times. lmao
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:03 PM
blah blah blah…. like we didnt know this already! jay! when u got that sex tape holla at me! them ill listen
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:05 PM
I would buy Oprah’s magazine if SHE wasn’t on every cover. Scary. :)
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:06 PM
Well, where have you been. Beyonce been doing Oprah show for years now.
I love the pizza parlor date…still not impressed with how he’s made it, though. He’s like a lot of dudes, except he just got a break. And like Chaka, I really wish he would re-think his views on the N-word. Just goes to show you, his age (near 40, I believe) does not equal maturity in him, at all.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:08 PM
SO TRUE! The word is indeed still very painful. I’m sure if someone called him the N-word he would be speaking another tune.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:09 PM
Seems like it was a good interview but honestly, what makes it so much better than any other drug dealer that’s made it from the hood story? No hate..just askin..
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:11 PM
i’m an 80s baby, and i’ve always found the n-word offensive. not sure if his point is valid.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:12 PM
Great interview. I can’t wait to read the rest. I’m a big fan of Jay-Z.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:12 PM
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:13 PM
i guess cuz he’s considered among the greatest rappers of all time (not for me personally i must add).
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:14 PM
I second that notion. If he wasn’t married to Beyonce he wouldn’t have been in the mainstream press. Oprah wasn’t checking for him when he was on top of his game. So now that he isn’t on top of his game I can’t see a reason why Oprah would interview him other than his Beyonce connection.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:14 PM
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN ALREADY.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:14 PM
Damn you are right! She luv her some Beyonce so she did do this interview because of that. Because the last I heard Sophia don’t do rappers lol “All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my uncles. I had to fight my brothers. A girl child ain’t safe in a family of men, but I ain’t never thought I’d have to fight in my own house! I loves Harpo, God knows I do. But I’ll kill him dead ‘fo I let him beat me.” lol
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:17 PM
Yep, we’ve heard it 456,098,004, 455 times …….raised in a single parent household, poor, project kid, slung drugs, shot, rapped, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:17 PM
It AMAZES me how Black people can’t give credit where it is due…the fact of the matter is, this man was once upon a time a statistic, a kid that no one thought would make it out of the gutter and he worked hard and MADE something out of his life and he GIVES BACK, if that is not admirable and commendable, I don’t know what is…wisen up people and stop being so damn negative all the damn time! It’s sickening!
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:21 PM
Wonder how he felt when him and Julius got called one when they had the altercation with the paps just a few weeks ago? Hmmmm.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:21 PM
Ignorance is bliss and runs rampant on this site
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:23 PM
Nice interview. That’s all I got. I don’t find Jay, Oprah or Beyonce that relevant.
I admire Oprah success but she has gone soft with her interviews and shows. She use to be hard hitting, no holds barred. Now, she just plays to the masses.
I was never a Jay-Z fan. It was always 2 Pac for me. And I won’t even get into my dislike of all things Beyonce.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:31 PM
Oprah just want to get back on top sorry, Judge Judy is the girl now, still don’t like Jay Z, and all he is doing is useing Oprah because she is rich and so is he the rich helps the rich so now I’m just bless to wake up every morning thank God. I will not help the rich I will help the poor.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:32 PM
Jay needs to own up to HIS choices. Be honest. You looked at the working man as being corny and the drug dealers as being cool and wanted to follow him. I’m so sick of the lame excuse of coming from the ghetto and not seeing any positive people. Everybody in the hood is not pimping out on the corner. They’re are plenty of people that come from ruff parts of town and don’t go down the wrong road.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:32 PM
I never comment but I will this time. NO you haven’t heard it all before because most drug dealers DO NOT MAKE IT OUT and they damn sure don’t make it to having a net worth close to half a billion dollars so you may want to check that B.S.. He is a role model and he gives back. I am sick of the ENTIRE crabs in a barrel mentality. GTFU already and learn when to give someone their just due. You many not like him but you will RESPECT his hustle.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:34 PM
I agree, but young men who want the “lifestyle” dont see any glitz and glamour associated with those peopl, so they turn to the ones with the flyest cars and the flashiest wads of money and they want to immulate them. We shouldnt grow tired of the story, we as a people should grow tired of the cycle.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:41 PM
Yes…I have heard it all before, from him you dumbass. As for Jay-Z [self acclaimed "God"] being a Role Model :|
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:42 PM
It’s reality
OnSep 2, 2009 at 2:17 pm | Reply |
It AMAZES me how Black people can’t give credit where it is due…the fact of the matter is, this man was once upon a time a statistic, a kid that no one thought would make it out of the gutter and he worked hard and MADE something out of his life and he GIVES BACK, if that is not admirable and commendable, I don’t know what is…wisen up people and stop being so damn negative all the damn time! It’s sickening!
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I agreed with you right up until you got to the “Gives Back” part………..what does he give back? That 9/11 Benefit concert is for the widows of firefighters & police officers and not to be mean, they got enough money. I wanna see him give back to the children of Marcy Projects & Brooklyn! His little 10G’s for Christmas gifts for ALL the kids in Marcy ain’t nothing if he’s dropping twice that in 1 night at the VIP bar!
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:43 PM
Cosign everything you said. Luda was on her show as part of a cast of other actors (can’t remeber the name of the move) and she didn’t acknowledge him ONCE! Ms. O… HiP’O'Crit’
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:44 PM
@ Ashley….u don’t find Oprah,Jay-z,or Beyonce relevant????
Where are u from and where have u been?????
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:46 PM
DIDN’T WASTE TIME READING THE INTERVIEW. WOULDN’T PAY .50 CENT FOR THE CD, BUT WHAT DOES A 40 YR OLD MIDDLE AGED RAPPER, RAP ABOUT?
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:46 PM
I commend ANYONE who makes it out of the ghetto and gives back to society. But my concern is his statement about the “N” word. I will always have an issue with that word because no matter how you try to clean the terminology of the word, the origination doesn’t change. It will always be offensive to me whether a white or black person uses it.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:48 PM
You must not watch, because your gurl has been on several times!
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:50 PM
ophra i was thinking about her the other day when i was in the store getting her book and this is what came to mind. she would sell far more books if she would start featuring some common folks like a story of one of my brother laws who drove a truck for armour meats in chicago and retired from there and he and my sister moved to philly and he went back to work and he was a perfect driver gor over thirty years. and was invovled in a trucking accident and how he lossed both legs and how hhs a overcomer. and we love her on her own cover but why not change it up a little and start putting other people on the covers and that will help boost sales and bring new people to the fore front.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:53 PM
BECAUSE NIGGAH IS USED SO FREELY BY US…….MEXICANS, WHITES, CHINESE JOKINGLY REFER TO ONE ANOTHER AS NIGGAH. NIGGAH THIS, NIGGAH THAT.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:54 PM
yeas beyonce has been up on oprah many times! were u been? lovey Jay-z though!
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:55 PM
I believe the point some of us are making is for all the “giving back he does” he is constantly damaging the minds of our youth and not so “youth(smile). Drug dealing, materialisim,be a pimp, women are hos and so on and so on is not in any way helping our communities. Sure, kudos for becoming rich off the degradation of your own people! Thats really some one to look up to and admire! Keep in mind there is a line in one of his songs where he does state he does not deal with those of us with “short money” and some of you are still defending this “human” and making him richer. Think my people!
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:55 PM
fact of the matter is, IF you’ve never experienced it, you DO NOT know what it’s like…plain and simple…don’t speak on something you know nothing of
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:57 PM
Finally some incite to the man and his life, i like. can’t wait for the issue to come out.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:58 PM
Gorgeous1/ Bey Stan #14/
I’m not tired of the story, I’m tired of the excuse. Jay and others choose to following the thugs.
Wed, September 2, 2009 2:59 PM
Oh…. JayZ please giv it a rest! We know your story becuase its in all your songs and because you talk about it ALL the damn time! Remeber, you love to throw glitter on your situation on your songs so the suburban youths will buy and so the young black demographic will continue to make money the quick and easy way.
Not taking away from your hustle (i guess)! You are making money so kudos for that. However, its how you make your money, which to me is through exploitation, that I do not like. Its also your direct mocking of GOD (I do not want to agrue with anyone about the bible) that turns me off too! WHy doesnt Oprah ask you about your switch to the name JayHovah (or however you spell it)!? I would def listen to you as you explained that one!
*If there are any grammar errors it because Im on my desktop and not my laptop!!! :( Getting on the laptop now*
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:00 PM
What does it matter what he drops on VIP at the bar? It’s his money and he can spend it however he sees fit…his “little” 10G’s as you put it, is a whole hell of a lot more than a lot of people can say they give for anything, he goes back to his neighborhood and tries to show the kids that there is a way out…the project he has for clean water in Africa, is that not giving back? Why is it that people are always so concerned about the amount of money people are giving and not the fact that they are giving anything at all? Furthermore, just b/c it is not public knowledge, doesn’t mean he doens’t do more than you hear about…
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:05 PM
Thank you!! Soooo many white people grew up poor and made something of themselves. Black people too. Its called EDUCATION………….
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:10 PM
Yeah, “Success” in America is viewed by ‘how many people know your name.’ It is looked at as ‘oh, now we know you and millions of people know your name, you are “successful” so you *must* be doing something right’ -now as far as what that *something* is is very questionable and debateable. This country bases everything off of vanity and materialism -it is a very capitalistic society. Very “I got mine” aka “I’m gettin’ moneeeeeyyy” “F you who ain’ got yours” that whole BS mentality. Face it: truth is Jay-Z has doing nothing special or out of the ordinary and he STILL talks about the drug game and glorifies it like that shit sounds good ….”jigga” please!!! He and “coming back to the community” to help no kids do nothing. And he sure as hell don’t do it in his music ….look at who he’s married to for God’s sake ….and we all sure as hell know what she talks about in her music ….ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! A damn shame! But I guess this is all we have to look forward to in music now a days and for the future …..Where’s Lauryn when you need her?????? ……..
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:10 PM
Now that you have made it out the hood Jay and attend your regular Boule clubs don’t you come across Doctors, Lawyers,Nurses who cater to a lot of of gang/DRUG related injuries especially found a lot in black communities how come your not honoring them, how about setting up a school in Marcy’s or even visiting your Friend DeHaven who blogs about you he claims you have never been back to Marcys, not even to visit your god-daughter doesn’t charity begin at home smdh
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:10 PM
I’m not hating at all. Go back and RE-READ what I wrote b4 u start typing. Jay-Z was doing big things well before Bey was in the picture yet he’s just now being affiliated with anything “Oprah”.50 cent(yuk lol) came from a similar background and he’s never been on Oprah but best belive if he was married to a Mariah or Whitney or Beyonce he would’ve been.That’s all I’m saying, I love Jay but thats just the truth. For the Record Beyonce has been on Oprah numerous times.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:13 PM
Well, well, well! Jay Z sounds human here. Sometimes his arrogance irritates me, but shoot, if you don’t love you who will.
I truly hope he is giving back, and not just at Christmas.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:13 PM
Right!! Several times. I remember the movie, it was called Crash and Luda did his thing. Don’t quite remember the interview though, I know he was on the show.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:15 PM
I personally think Jay Z and Beyonce upgrade each other. And, I don’t think it is necessarily because Jay Z is married to Beyonce, but he has grown as a man. Look at Jay 10 years ago and now. I think he has earned his respect, I really do.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:15 PM
Just because it isn’t advertised every single time he does something, doesn’t mean he is doing nothing. That’s just how it is with celebrities…they have their hands in so many pots, u are never gonna know exactly how much and to what they give…it is what it is….
Shyt, Oprah gives alot but people still expect her to give more…
Some things r never enough for some people.
Date night..cute. As long as they r happy that’s all that matters…ppl r always gonna have something to say. U gotta please yourself in the end…screw the negativity.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:15 PM
Say what you want but there is advantages to marry an UPPER CLASS GIRL.
Do your thing Shawn
Love the Carter <3
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:17 PM
I like this preview – I don’t know much about Jay Z – never really cared til Beyonce married him but it shows a sensitive side about him – I especially like the date night thing they have together..
oO
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:17 PM
Yup…. 2 of my uncles and my cousin have the SAME story as JayZ! They were drug dealing, killing, and gang banging! They are just as if not more inspiring than this JayZ’s story!!! Just because he has money doesnt make him more of a success story! Whats inspiring to me.. is men and women who have been doing this for a long time and have decided to go the right way and still struggle to get money! These people do NOT have a bank account with tons of ZEROS! They have to go day by day trying to make money the legit way and not make as much as they could if they were to get back on the streets! Not taking away from JayZ getting off the streets but there are 4 million stories to his one and they are making it just the same!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:17 PM
LMAO Girl u are crazy!! lol
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:22 PM
Go Jay!!! A successful black man doing his thing. Not just working but owning businesses, sports team and the rights to all his music.
He said, we are looking at one smart black boy. If any of yall is hating on that, then it’s YOU with the problem and you need to take notes cause most of us is working, not owning!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:22 PM
I tottally agree with you 100% and I love them both. I’m a fan. But IMO Jay was more than qualified to be on Oprah telling his story(just like he is now) before “Bootylicious” came out!! lol Not dissing my girl Bey but Jay would’ve siad this same story years ago bcus its his life. I do like them though, all aspects of them.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:24 PM
It’s so many haters on this site, you yell FIERCE, and FAB to a photoshoot by a star, but when someone is actually talking about how they came up from nothing and made something, all of a sudden there is an issue. Please. And the same people up here who are “Tired of jay” and dislike him are on EVERY POST.
Truth is as someone else said, you can’t go “heard this story before” when you don’t know what it is to live it, when you don’t know the significance of him doing what he did. He made it from Marcy Projects one of the craziest and toughest places to live, and is making half a billion dollars from money that was hard earned and not made illegally. He expanded his empire beyond hip hop to include clothing, sports teams, music lines, and beyond. We hear the stories of “others” so much and I’m proud that a black man can make it. His music has expanded tremendously to the point where I know lots of people could listen to a majority of his work and not feel embarassed by profanity and downgrading women. You might not like him but RESPECT the struggle, hardwork and story.
Congrats to him and ANYBODY who can make it to live, still tell their story, GIVE BACK TO SEPTEMBER 11 victims, and Marcy, the music industry everywhere. What’s to hate about that????
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:24 PM
@sdedee Co sign The illusionists have everyone in Hollyweird/Media Programmed to use us for monetary purposes ONLY as much as I hear stans/fans claim to love these people they definitly do not love you their interest is to line their pockets then gloat,boast how much millions they have or how much benji’s this corporate greed turns me off complety with these modern day celebs im sick to the teeth with the lot of them most common folks are struggling daily just to stay afloat something is wrong with the system
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:27 PM
Amen!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:30 PM
thank you. Co-sign this intelligent and true comment!!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:31 PM
aww shut up.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:32 PM
AHhhH!!! MissGolden is in here and we know she likes to stalk me!!! Im out!! Hey Tasha, is there anyway that I can get an e-restraining order up in here lol!!! On to the next post!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:33 PM
And those stories are seen ALL THE TIME in the O Magazine, on Oprah’s show. Look at the story of “The Doctors” who came from Neward New Jersey, one of the worst areas, and made a pact to go to med school despite their harsh circumstances. They did and they are continuously celebrated for it. Will I get mad at their story, because “oh I’ve heard so many like them”. You look at them ,say great for them, and move on. I don’t understand why you have such a vendetta against Jay in every post, you go off. These stories are plenty, but it’s always great to see a person of influence tell that story to the masses, as it is more than likely to get recognized then. That’s how the culture is. So I believe it’s great for a major publication to pick this story up. Why not highlight someone like Jayz. He’s not glorifying it, just telling it how it was.
If people like Angelina and whoever else can get covers of magazine for their philanthropy and their stories are vague, far from profound I don’t understand why there is so much hate for Jay-z a man who is playing a HUGE part in giving back, especially the familes of SEPTEMBER 11 victims and households, in addition to what he has done for the Hip Hop culture, and music. What is there to hate, or speak ill of his background and him making it out? No hate, no ignorance or cursing on my part, just fact and discussion.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:34 PM
This is why I have always loved JayZ. He knows how to conduct himself. This is nothing new about him.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:35 PM
love jay, hate oprah
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:35 PM
I agree 100%
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:35 PM
Stop…. thats my stalker!!! Everytime I comment on a JayZ she is right there following me!!! Run… Run for your life!!!!!!!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:38 PM
yall better recongize….
“There’s the gift, there’s the spirit, and there’s the work—all three have to come together. If one of those things is off, it can stop you from becoming who you were meant to be”
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:39 PM
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! You found me!!!!!!! and from someone from Jersey its NEWARK, NJ….
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:40 PM
I just love the interview and i saw on oprahs site the “bethind the scenes video”. I think that he is a very intelligent, and wonderful mannered man. He is extremely articulate and very funny.
Beyonce can be happy to have such a wonderful men because i think jay is very romantic too. He bought her 2 million $ cars, 5$ million rings, plus more.
Bey go and get ur men and start a family with him. that’s what i wish for jay because he would be a great daddy!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:43 PM
This is cracking me up!! LMAO!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:44 PM
nice interview mr beyonce he made it out of the ghetto he’s successful and he married an upper class black chic-good for him
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:48 PM
CO-SIGN Michalea, Sunniday, Erica, sdedee and Ok Kanye. He doesn’t seem at all ashamed that he engaged in illegal activity to make a fast buck and uses the excuse that there were no other positive role models around. That’s BS. And it seems as though he has no regard for God or His name. If his wife is a Christian like she says she is, she would check him on that. It saddens me that people’s spirits are so far from God, their creator, that they can’t see the irreverance in this man comparing himself to Almighty God, and others even address him as such. And to those who laud his charitable efforts…well, he’s getting a return on that charity. It’s called tax write-offs.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:48 PM
I love that too, absolutely love it! Realest ish I have heard in a while!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:49 PM
I know that it’s Newark, New Jersey. I live in New York. So of course I would know that, definitely a typo. And that’s all you could give as a response back? I’m all up for discussion definitely not ignorant rants and nitpicking posts. Education, have plenty of that. There was plenty of more in that post to pick up on, but I guess it was to for you to decipher since you’re too busy nitpicking and finding things wrong. And Oh, it makes too much since. Saying someone is a “stalker” is the better alternative to actually having a sane response. Got it.
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:50 PM
Loves it! You are SO right!!! It’s hard for miserable people to be happy for others…
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:51 PM
That’s definitely a quotable!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:53 PM
yes, he will be 40 in December..why are people so hung up on his age?? He can still rap about his life experiences..get over his age..White Male Rock Stars are still embraced and supported at any age..even at 70!! Support people that have become something STOP HATING!
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:55 PM
“common folks” hmm…celebrities are just as common as the next person, only difference is, they had a vision, a dream, went after it and are successful because of it..if more of us followed in those footsteps would could be wealthy as well…just b/c someone is in the entertainment industry and they have multiple 0’s in the bank, makes them no more common except that they have more money. At the end of the day, when people realize and come to terms with the fact that there is NOTHING special about these people and they put their shoes on one at a time just like the rest of us, maybe the mentality that so many of you possess will change
Wed, September 2, 2009 3:58 PM
beautifully put!
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:00 PM
Lastly, tired of the cat & mouse game he and Bey plays with the public…”i’m probably gonna get kill for saying this…or, i’m gonna get in trouble for saying that, but we….’ PLEASE!!! humble yourself.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:00 PM
I beg to defer, Oprah could easily be named the most powerful woman in the world when it comes to influence. She does not need to do anything or interview anyone and she still will be loved. If Beyonce was the motivation, Jay-z would have been interviewed long time ago.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:06 PM
I HONESTLY DON’T BELIEVE THIS DUDE WAS REALLY IN THE DOPE GAME LIKE HE SAYS HE WAS… I THINK HE NEED TO PUT THAT TO REST BEFORE SOMEONE COMES OUT AND PUTS HIM ON FRONT STREET, FOR REAL…
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:06 PM
No disrespect, but I am also in the same age group, and I grew up on the West Coast where the N-word is/was used as a form of comraderie, same as JayZ, and I couldn’t agree more with what he said. Now had he grown up in the south, he would have a whole different opinion about the word. But I hear black dudes day in and day out say “nicca this” and “nicca that”, so it is what it is…and this is down south.
The south is like a whole different country and about 50 years behind the rest of the US. I know, because that is where I reside presently.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:08 PM
“cat and mouse game with the PUBLIC”? It’s NONE of the public’s business! Obviously him prefacing his reply with the statement is b/c they don’t DISCUSS THEIR business like that with the public…mofos are too damn nosy, how is that not being humble? Please
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:09 PM
You know what for someone who came from nothing he sre brags alot. And it was the same drug money he made that helped him get rich so no sir, I am not a fan.
I tell you America values success so differently from other countries. I agree with those who said Jay-z story is alot like others so there is nothing to clap about. Hell even Oprah is a success story, have you heard about her life, somebody should interview her. What about all the people from war torn countries who have to escape and study their butts off to come to America to make a better life for themselves. What about innercity kids that come from basically nothing to greatness. And they never tried drugs. I fear for my black youth, because they are only focusing on rappers like Jay-z as inspiration for success. That’s not right, he is not the best black people can be.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:09 PM
Jay-z sounds like a real smart dude. He took those hard life lessons and turned them into something unbelieveable positive. Not too many other rappers have done that. Some although they don’t need to deal drugs any longer or hang on the corner of their hood just too say their still hood are fucking idiots. I luv his quote about the N word taking the pin out of the grenade. I think it was beautiful said and the best explanation I have heard to date. Kuddos to u Mr. Jigga sir. I still don’t know what he sees in Beyonce other than beauty. The girl is clearly as dump as a pin. I don’t understand what she and Jay could possibly have in common other than the music game and money! Did hear the BluePrint 3 and let me just say its NICE :-D!
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:11 PM
HI my girl….!!!
Really funny but so,just let Jay represent your uncles and that 4 millions people who cant be go to Oprah
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:13 PM
Tasha,
Is there any truth to the rumor that Megan Fox is replacing Beyonce as an Armani model? Posh Beckham didn’t renew her contract for the underwear campaign last month, and the word was that Megan Fox was going to replace her [Posh]. Now according to Derek Blasberg via twitter, Megan Fox is taking Beyonce’s spot. Just curious.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:17 PM
SO CORRECT! As someone who grew up in NY in THIS generation and has lived in the south for half of my life, you are SO right
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:18 PM
Jigga what? Jigga who? Where did you get Jay-Z will be 40 in December? That man is kissing 50 ya hear! He left 40 like 6 years ago.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:20 PM
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:21 PM
The N-word is not disarmed nothing, and for him to say that shows his lack of intelligence. If it is disarmed, why are black people about to fight when a white person uses that word? He lived in a place where blacks were the majority if someone used that word on him, regardless of it being wrong it was not in a condescending manner.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:29 PM
ummm hes not saying anything we already didnt kno……..NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I JUST DONT KNOW HOW OPRAH WOULDNT LET CHRIS BROWN OR EVEN LUDACRIS COME ON HER SHOW BUT SHE HAS JOE CAMEL ON THERE ANYWAYS BOTH OPRAH AND JAY SUCK SO WHATEVER.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:33 PM
It is not “natural” to get into drug dealing. There is no excuse for flooding your community with drugs to enrich yourself and assist in the destruction of the souls of others by proxy. A man of substance challenges his surroundings if they are negative and only then does he truly rise above them, soaring above them himself and by doing so encourages others. Man has been given free will to choose how he responds to his circumstances.There are inspirational positive people, but you must look for them. He gravitated to drug dealing because, his nature yearned for it.If you admire a lifestyle, you will gravitate towards it. Your lifestyle is a reflection of your thoughts.
He was afforded opportunity from his first breath on American soil no matter where he was raised. I have seen poverty and ghettos that make Marcy Projects look like paradise. There is no excuse.
Was he born on American soil? Yes
Could he go to school for free? Yes
Could get scholarships, aids and grants? Yes
Could education open doors so long as he persevered? Yes
Could he get books for free?Yes
Clothes, computers, aid? Yes
I know children from very impoverished communities, who go to school with tattered uniforms,share books in a group, go without shoes and have to cross rivers to get to school and class is under a village tree.
Please do not insult our intelligence and the freedoms, comforts and opportunities your ancestors were hanged for.
Jay-z does not have the power to disarm that uncouth word by using it daily, disarming is through the power of intelligence and education.Please, stop perpetuating ignorance by justifying it.
Peace and wisdom to you.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:33 PM
I LOVE how other people tell others how to spend THEIR money…so what if he gave 10K or gave $100?! HE GAVE!!!! The fukk people griping about that for?! Especially people who probably dont even wanna drop a nickel when charities come door to door or when they ask for a donation for “Feed the Children” yet they dropping $100+ at their favorite clothing store….
and HERE WE GO WITH THE BULLSHYT on “the south is 50 yrs behind the north” yada yada….tell me what part of the South do you live?!
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:35 PM
OH honey! Clearly you must be in a small little country town in the the south. And that is were you limited yourself to traveling outside of the west coast because if you did you would see that the “south” is just like like the east coast and the west coast. With major cities, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Miami. Same as the the east: New York, Jersey & West: L.A. Vegas. And Cali & N.Y. has mad farm lands too just like Bama. So you and your “whole different country” needs to travel a bit more, cause you know nothing. Sad….
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:37 PM
stop hating on each other ppl. Like Oprah said, most kids he grew up with are either dead or in jail so what he has accomplished so far is not “just another hood story”. Love the date night, you can tell he’s in love
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:38 PM
Charming… but so full of shit
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:40 PM
There are many interviews I can’t bother watching in its entirety, but with Jay I can. He interviews WELL!!!! I dunno, he got it….I heart his laughter!
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:41 PM
many of them lyrics he wrote when waz younger…damn, can a person not grow???? he even states he brags about what he got cuz hes not used 2 havin alot, it getz no realer than that!!! i think hes matured nicely and luv him n bey 2gether…as far as his age i guess most of u will be in a nursin home when your 40, hes still young and full of swag….. calm down
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:42 PM
@ mamma mia_ Only for you!! In that respect you are right!! :)
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:54 PM
I visit this website often and there’s always pictures of Rhianna doing absolutely nothing but walking down the street then you get something positive on here and people shoot it down…by the way what’s up with you saying “he has a standing date with ‘what’s her name’.” Why does it seem you dislike her so much. What did she do to you? Is this really necessay? Regardless of what people say Bey and Jay are doing the D*#$ thang and they are doing a lot for the community. It’s people like them that’s keeps the gossip columns going. The haters need to stop but I forgot the haters are their motivation so keep it coming for Bey and Jay and all the other celebs who are doing something positive.
Wed, September 2, 2009 4:56 PM
Jay-z is soooooo blah…like whats his personality?…nevermind i don’t care…i just don’t get why people idolize him so much….at least tupac stood for something and actually made you think about stuff…..
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:03 PM
To sedee’s response…it’s not that people are defending him or putting him on this pedestal but everyone has to crawl before they walk. Yes he’s put out some lyrics some wouldn’t agree with but what you have to see is the growth. Now there are going to be people who idolize others that comes with the territory you can’t stop that because regardless of how much eduction we put out there people are still going to make an idol out of someone. What we do have to look at is the growth in the person. I’m sure you are not doing some of the things you use to do…everyone has some kind of flaw to work towards or our purpose would be irrelevant.
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:10 PM
@It’s a reality.. I have been very successful in what I do thank you very much. I haven’t had to take off my clothes, sell drugs or sell out my people to GET there either, to me being a humble person just find it wrong for someone to accumulate so much money to a point where you don’t know what to do with it SOMETHING IS DEFINITLY WRONG WITH THAT PICTURE
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:15 PM
Funny how when you express your opinion on these sites, people call you a “hater.” What the hell is a hater? Someone who has a different opinion other than you? Please expand your vocabulary if that’s all it means.
Thanks for the support on the N-word. I honestly believe that word has no place in society. It should be one of those code words that black people shouldn’t tolerate in any way, form, or fashion. Jay Z hasn’t disarmed anything by using it in every song.
If you disagree with me, tell me what you would do if you screwed up at work and your boss called you a stupid n*****. What would you do? Smile and give him a high-five?
Let me make it perfectly clear that every other ethnic group and minority in this country will not tolerate YOU calling them something derogatory. Why can’t we have the same respect?
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:23 PM
Blah, blah, blah I’ am so sick and tried of hearing the same sad story over and over again, how many people grew up in the ghetto and didn’t go down that path in life of drugs and stuff. So sick and tried of people using that excuse you did it because you want too, their are many men and women who had could have sold drugs but they decided not to and struggle to make it. And as for the N word um…no I don’t agree that word is hateful no matter who uses it, point blank period
sorry but Jay Z doesn’t impress me, never has and never will, If some of y’all are fans than that is your choice but trust me I’ am not hating I just don’t find Jay Z that interesting or this iconic role model of rappers or such. We need to talk about REAL people who made it from nothing to something on their own merits, intelligence and awards instead of praising people in the media like Jay Z and Oprah is just a fake ass who needs to suck on a lard shape d*ck because I for one can’t stand her, she lost touch
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:24 PM
Do Your Thing Sean – ” the Advantages of Marrying an UPPER CLASS CHICK ” – Be Original Folks.
- OBSSESSSION continues
<3
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:26 PM
Yikes!!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:28 PM
Yikes!
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:29 PM
EveryONE WANNBE Be US
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:34 PM
I love Jigga’s music…but I completely agree with you. But maybe it seemed “natural” to him at the time as he said folks get hung up on the adrenaline….
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:36 PM
You know I grew up and am still living in the south and the main people that used the “N” word were black people. I am around the same age as Jay-Z, also. I was raised around white people and went to predominatly white schools. However, the main time I heard the word was still around black people.
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:39 PM
Oprah see rappers have answers and stories to tell
They aren’t always gonna be sunny and bright but we can gain an understanding and new prospective if not learn something new
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:45 PM
I jus wanna say, that i love me some muthafreakn Jay. i’m done, finished, finito!!!!
Luvin everything he does. See yall at the next posting, becuz its promo time for Jigga!!!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:52 PM
You know a teacher once told me that “perception is reality.” This was the perception of a 13 year old with a lack of direction. There are a lot of people rich and poor that are misdirected and misguided and live lifes that are terrible, getting caught up in a fast life of drugs (using and/or selling), sex and tons of other things. We can tell them how terrible they are and say even if they change their lives that they still are nothing, but what good would that do. At the time he was young and selling drugs it was natural because that is the way he perceived his life. However, as he got older and he saw a way out and of course his perception changed. He grew up and his music has grown up too. I think you can even see that in the music that he has put out over the years.
Now the “N” word thing I don’t think i will ever except.
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:55 PM
Well, the only reason that Oprah interviewed Jay is b/c it was a condition in order to get Beyonce on her show… I read other places that Beyonce only agreed to come on Oprah’s show a few months ago (youtube it), if Oprah agreed to interview Jay Z at a later date… not sure if print or t.v. was specified…
As for the interview, I really wonder if these are Jay’s words verbatim!!! He was on “Real TIme w/ Bill Maher” last week, and he was a MESS!!! I was surprised at how inarticulate (word? lol) he was!! He could barely answer the questions, and when he couldn’t think of anything to say, he just stared at Bill w/ a blank look on his face & started laughing!! But who’s actually going to buy this magazine just to read the interview??!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 5:55 PM
Well, the only reason that Oprah interviewed Jay is b/c it was a condition in order to get Beyonce on her show… I read other places that Beyonce only agreed to come on Oprah’s show a few months ago (youtube it), if Oprah agreed to interview Jay Z at a later date… not sure if print or t.v. was specified…
As for the interview, I really wonder if these are Jay’s words verbatim!!! He was on “Real TIme w/ Bill Maher” last week, and he was a MESS!!! I was surprised at how inarticulate (word? lol) he was!! He could barely answer the questions, and when he couldn’t think of anything to say, he just stared at Bill w/ a blank look on his face & started laughing!! But who’s actually going to buy this magazine just to read the interview??!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 6:36 PM
Exactly. I grew up in the South, Louisiana; went to college in Michigan, and currently live in Chicago. That word is not acceptable, as it should not be, anywhere you go. And it only gives other people license to use it, which makes it even more disrespectful.
Wed, September 2, 2009 6:41 PM
Real Talk….that’s for sure…*nodding my head and agreeing with you*
Wed, September 2, 2009 6:50 PM
Can’t wait for the entire interview! Will definitely be checking for it! Jay is definitely a success story! Love the Carters! Love that tidbit about their date day on Sunday! They will have many stories to share with their children one day! Hip Hop Royalty!
Wed, September 2, 2009 6:52 PM
@Sexyrelle,
Oprah has Beyonce on every time she drops an album. Oprah has already put the MTO rumor to rest the day after she left Marcy projects when Gayle called her on the air during her show. Oprah says she loves Jay and he smells good!
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:06 PM
I love Jay but come on now, it was not natural for you to get in the drug game. I know plenty of young brothers in the hood who opted to not sell drugs. Thats so cute him and Bey have a spot they go to on Sundays. I like how they keep their relationship under raps. As far as the N word is concerned, I try not to use it. I think its ridiculous that we as a people use it so openly and get mad when someone else says it. I personally get upset when a Black person calls me that as well.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:08 PM
THANK U SO MUCH FOR THIS COMMENT. U EXPOSED A LOT OF TRUTH.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:09 PM
Great Interview, can’t wait for the rest. Loves Jay and Oprah for that.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:15 PM
I’m sorry, I’m not hateful or incapable of giving credit when due, but why should I admire him or look up to him? I’ll look up to someone who has struggled honestly and achieved success. How many little boys are thinking of following that crack dealer to rapper formula instead of choosing role models who are educated?
How many rappers are successful? Or end up being jay Z? I can count the number on one hand. So no, he is not a role model and his defense of the N word is truly sad.
Until the grenade is universally disarmed for everyone who considered that word offensive, then it still has the power to demean and diminish….
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:23 PM
Am i the only one who cares where this pizza spot is in Brooklyn???? lol Does anyone know?
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:28 PM
jay is more than a rapper. He is a savvy businessman. I think Oprah respects that not to mention wayyy before bey jay gives back. I think alot of these people on this site must be young. Please google jay before you think he became a celebrity from bey. Jay has more money and business ventures than bey. He was well respect wayy before bey. It is my opinion that she chose him as a partner because of who he is.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:38 PM
I was following her until she said that. I’m like come on now, Beyonce is a regular now. I think she’s been on the last 3 or 4 seasons.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:40 PM
OPRAH MIGHT AS WELL INTERVIEW LIL WAYNE WHILE SHE’S AT IT.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:46 PM
They are. Definitely under 25. I read a lot of the comments because I work with teens and it’s interesting to see how they think and what’s of importance to him. While I wouldn’t call Jay-Z a role model, he is definitely successful. He was smart enough to turn his situatin around and make it work for him far beyond recording tracks. But there are many others ways to “stack cash” without hustling on the corner, using the N word or dribbling a basketball. And that’s the message these teens need to get.
Wed, September 2, 2009 7:59 PM
I Know..but lil wayne might wanna change his appearance out first!! sometimes it doesnt matter what u have 2 say if u dont look right then……FORGET IT!!
Wed, September 2, 2009 8:09 PM
nigga please!
Wed, September 2, 2009 8:12 PM
Cant wait for it to hit news stands
Wed, September 2, 2009 8:36 PM
True, if this is the case, why not have Snoop on her show? He’s nothing but a glorified drug dealer who made money off crackheads and reinforced their habit. Now if he used his money today to open drug rehab programs, then one would say he’s learned from his mistakes. He perpetuates this gangsta life in his music, so who cares…it’s all about his affiliation with Bey.
Wed, September 2, 2009 8:37 PM
i toooooooootally agree with everything you said.
Wed, September 2, 2009 8:54 PM
STANDING OVATION…there really is no excuse…there are so many opportunities here…if people emigrate from other countries and make it here with so many barriers, why can’t people who are citizens make it here. There are examples of homeless students having ambitions to attend college because of their motivaton. Despite common belief (based on what rappers rap about) selling drugs is not always the only alternative for poor black folk–there are many successful black people who started in Jay’s circumstances and worse who made it despite their situation without selling drugs. In this day and age we need to stop perpetuating these same tired stories which is doing nothing for future generations…
Wed, September 2, 2009 9:03 PM
You can’t knock the hustle. Jay’s or Oprah’s. I know this interview is just a little part of the big scheme they have planned. They will soon do a joint venture.
I do have to say this. It’s time for Jay to stop talking about his drug slinging days. The 80’s have been over for a long time. A lot of people were hurt by his bad dealings. He needs to be the “rapper” to stand up and say. What he did was wrong and he is sorry for what pain and hurt he has caused to many families.
Let the younger generations know there is a better way now. Let them know back when he set out to start his label “White America” was not making loans to rappers to get their own business’ started. But know there are alternatives to selling drugs. Teach them something new Jay. I know it should be taught at home but damn. If I’m not mistaken it still “TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD”.
Wed, September 2, 2009 9:14 PM
My mother’s IQ is higher then Oprah’s. And we are just getting started. You felt it didnt you. Hitting the edge of the road and there is now where to go but to get ur friends for help I been then. It could be a win or lose situation but…… The media machine is getting Hot. God Bless us all. lol
Wed, September 2, 2009 9:20 PM
And you dont even know her name.
Wed, September 2, 2009 9:47 PM
What do people say hmmmm “The first black female billionaire is the worst” Or the first is the worst. Maybe I got it twisted but… I am watching Chris on CNN and isn’t that Jigga’s crew that they are talking about what a disaster. I hope there is a cleanup crew for that one because violence again woman should never be just dusted under the rug and Quieted! That is sick if the is how people want to roll. Friends or no Friends. I i hear From Rihanna is that she is on a rollercoaster in L.A. This is not a game!
Wed, September 2, 2009 9:59 PM
I’m not hatin on Jay -Z but…he’s a rapper.
There are so many of us who have come from nothing or just basic to become so much more..shouts out to my soror, Dr. Chapman who is a freaking scientist…PhD in Chem. Where is her story? Cause it is hella enlightening and encouraging and much more gainly than rapping about the so called “former bad life” that they continue to glorify.
I’m surprised he is even on Oprah’s radar…I mean she interviews people who literally change the world. He just doesn’t fit
Wed, September 2, 2009 10:23 PM
I agree he does not fit and his moved as a so called artist are the worst they are like a diease worst then Cancer, AIDS and Heart disease because it kills for generation. Bad move Oprah. And I will not be a Madison Square Garden on 9/11 maybe I will do some community service. And I will never buy O magazine agian.
Wed, September 2, 2009 10:35 PM
I totally agree. I love Beyonce but I do believe she married a man that has yet to grow up. N-word usage is ignorant.
Wed, September 2, 2009 10:36 PM
Jay-z symbolizes a plague to me.
Wed, September 2, 2009 10:53 PM
I just wonder if Jay Z died would Oprah come on TV then and acknowledge it because she sure as hell disrespected Michael Jackson after she had him on her show. The ignorance on this blog about Jay Z and what he is really about is astounding. Google Jay Z and the Illuminati and get educated as to what this guy is really about and what that sign means that he is throwing up all the time. He is not helping the youth, he is helping to destroy it. Take a good hard look at his new video with all the people dressed in black and all the satanic messages he has in his music. Look at what he sings about and the names of the songs and yeah, Kanye West too, Rhianna and Beyonce. Look at his new clothing line – all black and satanic symbols in the clothes and he calls himself Jay-Hova which is another name for God in some religions (Jahovah) and you guys think all of this is OK? Please use your computers to educate yourselves and your children as to the dangers of following Jay Z. Move behind the music and really look at what he is putting out there. Oprah too, they are all in this together. Michael Jackson tried to warn us of what was going on in the music industry and he was killed for it. Wake up people, do your research and open your eyes. Jay is not to be worshipped. He is an instrument that is being used to corrupt the youth. Go on line and read for yourself.
Wed, September 2, 2009 10:56 PM
So you gauge how romantic a guy is by how much money he spends? Wow!!! A single rose can be just as romantic. Just remembering special dates or someones favorite food or just what to say at the right time is romantic.
Wed, September 2, 2009 11:38 PM
Camilla
Come On People
Hellifiknow
Thank-you sisters for your classy responses.
Wed, September 2, 2009 11:48 PM
I’M GONNA FIND OUT THE NAME OF THE PIZZA SPOT IN BROOKLYN!!!!
Thu, September 3, 2009 12:12 AM
Empress
OnSep 2, 2009 at 4:33 pm | Reply |
It is not “natural” to get into drug dealing. There is no excuse for flooding your community with drugs to enrich yourself and assist in the destruction of the souls of others by proxy. A man of substance challenges his surroundings if they are negative and only then does he truly rise above them, soaring above them himself and by doing so encourages others. Man has been given free will to choose how he responds to his circumstances.There are inspirational positive people, but you must look for them. He gravitated to drug dealing because, his nature yearned for it.If you admire a lifestyle, you will gravitate towards it. Your lifestyle is a reflection of your thoughts.
He was afforded opportunity from his first breath on American soil no matter where he was raised. I have seen poverty and ghettos that make Marcy Projects look like paradise. There is no excuse.
Was he born on American soil? Yes
Could he go to school for free? Yes
Could get scholarships, aids and grants? Yes
Could education open doors so long as he persevered? Yes
Could he get books for free?Yes
Clothes, computers, aid? Yes
I know children from very impoverished communities, who go to school with tattered uniforms,share books in a group, go without shoes and have to cross rivers to get to school and class is under a village tree.
Please do not insult our intelligence and the freedoms, comforts and opportunities your ancestors were hanged for.
Jay-z does not have the power to disarm that uncouth word by using it daily, disarming is through the power of intelligence and education.Please, stop perpetuating ignorance by justifying it.
Peace and wisdom to you.
*************************************************************
THE END! Empress done shut all this ish down! Good night!
Thu, September 3, 2009 12:38 AM
wow, first, no one should worship man. i do not think jay wants our youth to worship him, however there is a moral to his life story. Jay simply is telling his story but guess what some of these empoverish youth can not see outside the box not unless they actually see someone they could relate to. Trust I know I work with trouble teenagers with little to no hope. so i challenge everyone to goggle jay and see how much he does for the community to empower people. jay is more than a rapper and most of his concerts contribute to worthy causes, the hard knock tour, he gave a dollar a ticket to aids awareness and many more. Jay is always on a mission to give back to the community. I use to think he worshiped the devil because of the song that kanye produced years ago, but i do not think that is the case. Jay is an entertainer. No need to be soo serious and deep. You sound like you might be a religious fanatic.
Thu, September 3, 2009 12:50 AM
I love jay z he’s the one of the first artist who’s lyrics I felt. He’s made lady o a fan too? He’s super smart and I admire his hustle. Love u J!!
Thu, September 3, 2009 12:51 AM
beyonce has been on oprahs show several times….wtf are u talkin abt?
and i agree, its all because of beyonce that hes on there….oprah kisses beyonces ass….def wont be reading that article any further….he sold drugs; already knew that…not gonna talk abt relationship; already knew that….wtf im gonna read it for?
Thu, September 3, 2009 1:23 AM
Ha…i kno wut pizza spot jay is talkin about in brooklyn, but i am not tellin!!
Thu, September 3, 2009 1:46 AM
I heart Jay–Dats my homey for life—BROOKLYN BABY!!!!
Thu, September 3, 2009 4:48 AM
So, according to Jay-Z he did not have any good role models and anyone who made it from Marcy Project did not come back to share what they learned. Well, Jay-Z is able to share what he has learned with the entire world. He is able to tell the ghetto story to everyone and relate it not only to Mary Projects but to every ghetto everywhere. The problem, however, is that Jay-Z does not use his vehicle for positive change. All I can remembe from all of his songs is that he is smarter than you, he is wiser than you, he is successful, he was a drug dealer. I mean take the time to listen to all of his songs and really analyze it and figure out the theme of each song. You will find that similar to his girl, he talks about the same things, just in different words, on different beats. Jay=Z is clearly an intelligent guy. However, I dont see why he continues to dumb down his lyrics, I mean he has so much money already. This is the time for him and his girl to really take risks with their music and produce true art since they do not need to rely on formulas to gain profit. If they never work another day in the their life they are set. So why continue to cause the decline of music. People can praise Jay-Z all day, but my spirit just does not think that he is a good person. Now, I am aware that I do not know him. But then again I do. I know the Jay-Z that he is showing me. That is all we can really take, right ?
I dont see Jay-Z helping anybody but himself. He and his girl seem to be very selfish people. They will get what is coming to them. Life has a way of catching up with people.
Thu, September 3, 2009 6:05 AM
What a hero,that Z-Jay or whatever.
Thu, September 3, 2009 6:26 AM
Interesting interview…Jay Z life story is similiar to THOUSANDS of guys and girls out there. His music now isn’t really telling me or anyone I know something we don’t already know. At the end of the day he’s entertainment and entertainment is about making money. Successful people are those who take care of their children everyday…go to work everyday..and those of us who do what we have to do to make it and bring others along with us!
You want to interview success and you’ll find yourself interviewing alot of normal middle class people all over the world, our measure of success in America is misunderstood.
soo true
Thu, September 3, 2009 8:49 AM
THAT MAN IS A GENIUS!!! I “HEART” HIM!!!!!!
Thu, September 3, 2009 9:12 AM
More importantly, why are we the only race that degrades OURSELVES. Never once do you hear Jews publicly calling each other Hebes, or Italians calling themselves Wops. Only Blacks see themselves as creatures so low we co-opt the words of our oppressors.
He is a disgrace. The ridiculous argument that there were no succcessful blacks in Bed Sty is supposed to justify his getting rich off of the lives of the black children whom his drugs killed? Black people need to start using whatever basic analytical skills they have left, and stop acting as if financial success justifies all behavior; it does not.
He is a thug and a drug dealer who murdered people who look like him, yet now shows the greatest courtesy and respect to the WHITES with whom he associates. Wonder how often he calls Gwynneth Paltrow a “ho” or a “bitch” when he’s hanging out with her? Or is that language he reserves for BLACK women? Wake up people.
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:16 AM
Edumacated
OnSep 3, 2009 at 9:12 am | Reply |
chaka1: Jay Z needs to revisit that statement about the N-word because what he said is absolutely not true. Hip hop has not disarmed the power of that word.I am as old him and grew up in the south in a white neighborhood. That was word was used on me on regular basis. It’s as painful now as it was then.Why are we the only race that allows ourselves to be constantly degraded…
More importantly, why are we the only race that degrades OURSELVES. Never once do you hear Jews publicly calling each other Hebes, or Italians calling themselves Wops. Only Blacks see themselves as creatures so low we co-opt the words of our oppressors.
He is a disgrace. The ridiculous argument that there were no succcessful blacks in Bed Sty is supposed to justify his getting rich off of the lives of the black children whom his drugs killed? Black people need to start using whatever basic analytical skills they have left, and stop acting as if financial success justifies all behavior; it does not.
He is a thug and a drug dealer who murdered people who look like him, yet now shows the greatest courtesy and respect to the WHITES with whom he associates. Wonder how often he calls Gwynneth Paltrow a “ho” or a “bitch” when he’s hanging out with her? Or is that language he reserves for BLACK women? Wake up people.
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EXCELLENT!!!!!
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:19 AM
I still don’t like Jay-Z.. this snippet of an interview has not changed my mine one bit.. I agree with other commentors, if it wasn’t for Beyonce, Oprah would have cared less to interview him.. Even talking about the pizza date night had no interest for me…
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:26 AM
Ultra I know right, let Oprah help someone like him love your story, and NoTimeToGraze you are so right Jay Z don’t help nobody but himself and his wife, wife have her own money but her husband is going to be a husband poor people can said what they want to say he is giving Bey something, poor people kill me always blessing the rich what about the poor and middle people the rich is not going to give you shi@t but take your money will not get nothing from me.
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:34 AM
well he aint from the south he comes from bk and up north the white wasnt as cocky cause they are not the majority …especially in bk…so the situation is defferent from you and him and it has nothing to do with degrading either..thats just the way it is up here and thats our situation..i on the other agree wit jay cause thats what i beentellin myself the whole time but i bet if i was to live in the outh it prolly wuda been different
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:40 AM
ok dont think he gonna help out evryt single person now…he does what he can and so forth…but dnt expect marcy to be the next five star project cause hes from there…im pretty sure there are more things hes done that the public dont know about and dnt need to knw about truthfully.
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:41 AM
damn yall where the love at..its disgusting.
Thu, September 3, 2009 10:59 AM
I agree, so honest and real!
Thu, September 3, 2009 11:18 AM
Where are you getting your infomation that he does not help other people. Please let me know. Jay is known for giving to charities and some of his proceedings from the shows always go to some cause. He always doing a free concert somewhere. Please know the man before you speak. Where is it written that he has to give his entire fortune to the underpriveledged. The key is empowering people and setting up programs and contributing to better education in these neighborhood that implement parenting classes and trauma focus groups to better assist our community to progress not a handout. I do beleive did this years ago with teh education system, who knows he might continue. Jay is awesome in his own way. He has truly made Bey a better person. I will say it again you people must be really young, to young to remember what things were like when he first came into the game and met Bey. I applaud his story, he truly a success and he is impacting our youth positively. I also think alot of you all must come from middleclass backgrounds and is disconnected with the struggle in the those neighborhoods and the social problems that are plaqued in those neighborhoods. Do some research before you comment.
Thu, September 3, 2009 11:24 AM
I’m not a Jay-Z fan, his music does nothing for me, absolutely nothing! However, I do applaud anybody that’s able to make something out of their life. I haven’t heard of what he does to give back to the community, but it would be nice if he started some educational institution where young people can really learn in a positive, caring environment, where they see images of people who look like them plastered on the walls and where they learn of Black people’s contributions to the world in science, technology, etc. It would be nice to see him (or any of the others who have achieved much) create some type of anger management program for those in need of it, it would be nice to have programs that teach young people about finance, credit, personal and professional development, politics, etc. If you’re going to give back, if you’re going to help your community, do it where it counts, where it’s needed, where our children can grow to be happy, healthy, productive citizens
Thu, September 3, 2009 11:24 AM
Good post. I agree.
Thu, September 3, 2009 11:29 AM
I would like to know what CD’s you were listening to because he always a message in his music, even down to the American gansta CD. It was like he was teaching a class. Jay is aware and connected with the social issues that plaque inner city youth and the lower class african americans. he has a unique way of having them think about their choices and making them aware of how society views them. he can not come out and sang the Barney song and think it would impact that population. Of course he had to commercialize his CD and if you listen to some of his interviews over the years he talks about that. the bubblegum music gets air time which could be considered a gateway to the real message in the other songs on the CD. Jay could real political. I respect what him and Damon did for the rap game when they came in, they owned their own label, did their own movies, said fuck the grammy’s and they continue to give to their community because they felt like white america did not give a fuck. Before you comment know the man and his struggles over the years. He is more than a rapper, an ex drug dealer and Bey’s husband.
Thu, September 3, 2009 12:44 PM
i admire both oprah and jay-z but something feels mad dishonest about this interview. i mean, come on. who do we know that is a huge Jay-Z fan? I really just feel like she’s interested in him now because Barack Obama likes him. Would she really be interviewing him otherwise?
Thu, September 3, 2009 1:10 PM
I am indifferent to celebrities, it’s all entertainment to me. Celebrities don’t know me or care about me and vice versa. I know how to keep it in its proper perspective.
That being said…
1. It is WELL known that Jay Z lies about his age—Biz Markie, reluctantly, outed him on the Russ Parr show. Jay is not making 40yrs old, he’s making 43…which means he was born in 1966. Therefore, he was born DURING the Civil Rights Movement and is NOT far removed from the ‘N’ word.
2. If you’re a fan, fine, but DON’T say his story ISN’T ‘The same ole, same ole’ because IT IS. I DO come from the same environment,but I CHOSE NOT to follow the most prevalent lifestyle in my community.
3. Most people CAN NOT be rich and famous, most people are destined to be ‘regular folk’. The odds of becoming rich and famous are comparable to the odds of winning the lottery (check the facts). For every Jay Z and 50, there are millions who have tried and failed. The problem with our society is that we have become so far removed from reality that we think there is something WRONG with being everyday, hard working folk.
Thu, September 3, 2009 6:36 PM
i like jay even more now! he is indeed a true sucess story, and he is so intelligent, go head black man. and of course i love me some B! the pizza place date is so cute!
Thu, September 3, 2009 7:39 PM
ALL I CAN SAY IS PRAY FOR THIS MAN. PRAY THAT HE CHANGES HIS WAYS. PRAY THAT HE STOPS USING THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN. YES HE IS A MILLIONAIRE, YES HE IS A MOGUL, BUT AT WHAT COSTS? BLASPHEMING THE LORD. THE BIBLE SAYS WOE UNTO THE RICH MAN, FOR HIS DESTINY IS HELLBOUND. WHAT WOULD PROFIT THIS MAN TO GAIN THE WORLD HAVE WORLD-WIDE RECOGNITION AND ACCOLADES IF HE WILL PAY FOR IT IN DEATH? NO ONE IS PERFECT NOT EVEN ME. BUT I HATE THE FACT THAT YOUTH TODAY LOOK UP TO RAPPERS AND PUSHERS INSTEAD OF HAVING FAITH IN THEIR ABILITIES THRU THE LORD. JAY Z IS A VERY WEAK MINDED MAN THAT NEEDS MONEY TO BOOST HIS CONFIDENCE AND HE WILL DO IT AT ALL COSTS.
Fri, September 4, 2009 3:02 AM
Well, let’s see. “What would a 40 year old rapper have important to say?” First, to live to tell it. Second, To have made it from the projects to the mansions, jets, he’s got the flyest girl wearing his ring and still be humble about it? Jay has accomplished his own style, has class and so cool, I didn’t believe there was a wedding, despite hearing about the day, until he said it just now. Can see Jay making his move to a different kind of music, it’s cool. What I really thought was truth, when he said “some people were inconvenienced or annoyed, but those who loved them understood”. I like that because jealous people cannot stand to see their “good buddy” commit to a relationship. Thanks Jay for stepping up. Bey, he was worth waiting for.
Fri, September 4, 2009 9:38 AM
I never post but feel the need to say this: y’all are some hating azz mofo’s who don’t do your research before you spout off at the mouth.
Do your research on the man before you talk about what he doesn’t do. Just because you don’t read about it on YBF does not mean it’s not happening.
Get a grip and quit trying to knock the hustle.
Sat, September 5, 2009 7:08 PM
Jay_Z definitely had a choice, and he chose drug dealing. This is proven in his music. If he didn’t like it, he would not glamorize it. He boasts about it in his songs.
In addition, I dont see how his music is a vehicle of change for the masses. All I hear is him boasting about how much smarter he is than everyone else. He claimed that he was dumbing down his music to make money. Well now he has a lot of money. So why is his music still dumb ? Where is the substance ? There are hot beats, but apart from that it seams dry and mundane.
I am happy that Jay-Z is a smart business man, but his music is lacking and he is overated and ingenuine.
Sun, September 6, 2009 1:23 PM
JAY.YOUR MY MENTOR…AND I WILL FOLLOW YOUR FOOTSTEP…YOU JUST MADE MY DAY..BY READING WHAT CAME OUT FROM YOU..KEEP IT UP BRO..OUR SPIRIT IS BEHIND YA..
Tue, September 8, 2009 1:37 PM
Thank you so much for that post. I am getting so tired of people acting as if this man has done something personally to them. They also act as if they were presented with the same opportunity, they would decline it.
In fact here is a question for you HATERS. Would you decline the opportunity to be in the same position as Jay Z?