Artists can have greater access to reality; they can see patterns and details and connections that other people, distracted by the blur of life, might miss. Just sharing that truth can be a very powerful thing.
I have inherited two of the most important brands in hip-hop, Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella. Reid and Universal Music Group have given me the opportunity to manage the companies I have contributed to my whole career. I feel this is a giant step for me and the entire artist community.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jay-Z expresses gratitude for his opportunities and the impact of his career in hip-hop.
In this quote, Jay-Z reflects on the significant milestone of inheriting influential brands in the music industry, specifically Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella. He acknowledges the support from Reid and Universal Music Group in allowing him to take on the managerial role at these companies, emphasizing that his achievements not only represent personal success but also a considerable advancement for the entire artist community he is part of, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and collective success in the creative industry.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Inspiring young artists during motivational talks.
More from Jay-Z
All quotes →The most amazing feeling I feel_x000D_ _x000D_ Words can't describe what I'm feeling for real _x000D_ _x000D_ Maybe I paint the sky blue _x000D_ _x000D_ My greatest creation was you.
Far from a Harvard student, just had the balls to do it
I never ask for nothin' I don't demand of myself. Honesty, loyalty, friends and then wealth
It was a very intense and stressful situation. There was playing in the Johnny-pump (an opened fire hydrant) and the ice-cream man coming around and all of these games that we'd play, and suddenly it would turn just violent and there would be shootings at 12 in the afternoon on any given day.
I would run into the corner store, the bodega, and just grab a paper bag or buy juice - anything just to get a paper bag. And I'd write the words on the paper bag and stuff these ideas in my pocket until I got back. Then I would transfer them into the notebook.
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