[ebooks] Ivory and the Aesthetics of Modernity in Meiji Japan by M. Chaiklin in Arts-Photography

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A terrific real-world story for anyone who wants to be inspired; and full of great tips for artists and entrepreneursBy Michael J WoodJay-Zs contemporary rags-to-riches story is a more detailed; thorough; insightful; and powerful story than any kind of fiction you might read in an inspirational genre. This book is terrific reading for artists and entrepreneurs; especially; although anyone who wants to be inspired; as well as anyone with interest in his music; would enjoy it.The book consists of lyrics "decoded;" where Jay-Z explains both where the song ideas came from and the way all the lyrics are connected to each other; as well as portions of his real-world story; rising from the Marcy Projects to a best-selling artist competitive with the Beatles in terms of how many #1 albums theyve had.In particular interest to me were the chapters regarding his break-out crossover hit; "Hard Knock Life;" and how Jay-Z had the realization that "Annies story was my story." Jay-Z applies this knowledge to building a brand and identity for himself; which led to his pop crossover success on the charts.Those kinds of insights; from a man who self-transformed into a superstar; are crucial for artists; entrepreneurs; and anyone out struggling with personal identity and their own success struggles.I highly recommend this book. If I were a business professor or music teacher; I would make this required reading for students.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Moment of ClarityBy C Herringbone MaloneAsk anyone who was influenced by hip hop culture music and Jay-Z has a place on their top 5 dead or alive rappers list. If not; then they deserve to be slapped. The same applies to this book as it is hands down the best hip hop book Ive read to date. A very strong statement indeed.The beauty of Decoded lies in the way it is written. The main focus is the music. The main focus is the lyrics. Instead of chronologically detailing experiences from childhood to fame; Decoded approaches it differently. Each of the 14 chapters starts with a different personal life event. Jay-Z then identifies 3-4 songs he recorded (most often on different albums); which were inspired by this particular life event. He then goes through these songs line by line; stanza by stanza; lyric by lyric breaking down the specific meaning; inspiration and back story of each lyric.This process is nothing short of miraculous.Via this process; the reader inevitably picks up on meanings that youve completely missed out on for years. Being spoon fed all of the double entendres; metaphors and overall witty word play changes your overall view on these songs. Songs you originally thought were "just okay" are transformed into classics. Songs you previously thought were "classics" into are transformed into timeless masterpieces.To enhance the experience; I strongly recommend listening to the music immediately before reading the lyrics. Pre-listening online (and for free) allows the reader to read the lyrics with rhythm and fully absorb and appreciate the complex rhyme patterns and the overall skill Jay-Z has.Jay-Zs music allows the listener to walk away feeling empowered. Decoded embodies this aspect. Decoded sheds new light on the music and is hands down the best hip hop book Ive read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. 5 starBy Rev. Pat OwensI had listened to one of my former preaching professors lecture talking about being real in preaching on You-tube. Dr. Frank Thomas said during the lecture that he had read this book and has it on his required readings for his preaching class. And; he said that Id you could not see how preaching related to the poetic form and storytelling of rap then; you arent a preacher. I loved the fact that this was very educational for me. Im a baby boomer and for the most part didnt like rap. However; after reading THIS book; it opened my eyes; mind and heart to an entirely different way of viewing rap and the hip-hop culture. AWESOME!!!