Essay Questions

What motivates Jay-Z to write his memoir ‘Decoded’?

Despite being a celebrity, Jay-Z has primarily led a private existence, which has increased his fans' curiosity to learn something about his personality. The primary motivation to write his memoir is to decode some of his songs' lyrics and touch some aspects of his personal life. In his memoir, Jay-Z explains his lyrics' meanings and how they connect to his personal life. For instance, Jay explains how he grew up in a low-income family and the struggles he went through in his childhood, including being a drug addict.

What is the main message in Jay-Z's 'Decoded'?

The primary message the reader picks from 'Decoded' is that poverty is not a permanent situation. Jay-Z narrates how his parents were poor and the hard life he had to endure as a child. However, Jay-Z now talks of a happy ending because he managed to rise the ranks to become one of the most celebrated musicians and celebrities in America and globally. Jay-Z is not shy to explain how he closely relates to influential figures in American, including the former President Barack Obama. Therefore, 'Decoded' is a motivational memoir that encourages people to continue chasing their dreams because there is no permanent living situation.

Why is Jay-Z so passionately speaking about Marcy Projects?

Jay-Z wants to pass a message that his childhood was not an easy one, and people should not assume that things were the same throughout his life because he is rich now. The Marcy Projects signifies the violent and miserable childhood that Jay-Z went through. The Marcy Projects is a place characterized by high population, crime, drug addiction, and poverty. At some point, Jay-Z became a criminal and drug dealer because that was the only option; he had to earn a living.