Jay-z
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Gayle King got some one on one time with Jay-Z but so far only short clips have been released. The hour long interview she conducted with the Hip-Hop mogul is set to air next week.
Variety is reporting that the award-winning journalist’s sit down with the Rap legend has received an official date . The special will air on Tuesday, November 14 at 9:00PM – 10:00PM ET/PT. Titled “JAY-Z And Gayle King: Brooklyn’s Own” the interview finds the duo touring the “Book Of HOV” exhibit at the Brooklyn Library. Their discussion touched on a several topics regarding his storied career, family and more.
At one point the “99 Problems” rapper touched on what is motivating him these days . “I think what matters most is, today, is, being a beacon and helping out … my culture,” he explained. “People of color. I think I pull the most satisfaction from that. Like making music earlier was, like – my first love. I could sit there for hours. It consumed me. Just finding words and figuring out words and how to say this and different ways to say that and different pockets and melodies and how to write this song… That consumed me.” He added “that’s why my pace was so fast. I had so much material. And I think now, you know, the idea of, of taking that platform and, you know, reproducing it for others or doing something like Reform. I think I derive the most joy from that.”
The “JAY-Z And Gayle King: Brooklyn’s Own” special will air on CBS Television Network and also stream on Paramount+.
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Landing an interview with Jay-Z is no easy feat, but when your name is Gayle King it can be a bit easier to do so as her name holds the kind of weight that Jay-Z used to a move a lifetime ago.
Getting the exclusive with arguably the greatest rapper of all time, Gayle King and Jay-Z linked up at the Brooklyn Public Library where they toured his lifework and got into different aspects of his accomplishments and what they mean to him today.
From explaining where the diamond hand sign that became synonymous with Roc-A-Fella Records to revealing why he and Beyoncé named their daughter Blue Ivy, Jay-Z opens up about various topics and shows us how a lot of his life’s work is much deeper than rap.
Take a look at the full interview below and check out the eight things we learned from Jay-Z on CBS Mornings.
The hands displayed at The Book of Hov exhibit are actually Jay-Z’s hands
Jay-Z did the impression for the eventual mold. Interestingly enough, he didn’t know what he was doing it for. He says the team simply asked him to do it, so he did without questioning it. As for why he and his Roc-A-Fella team began throwing up the diamond sign, Jay-Z says it came from their belief that their R&B group Christión would sell 10 million records and go diamond. So they would throw up the diamond sign in support of Christión. They did not go diamond or even platinum, but that diamond sign itself definitely blew up.
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Jay-Z settled the raging hypothetical debate that has dominated the web, advising folks to take $500,000 instead of having dinner with him.
The Hip-Hop icon recently sat down for an in-depth interview with Gayle King for CBS Mornings to air later in the week. During the conversation, King brought up the debate that has become a viral fixture on social media platforms. “If you had a choice between being paid $500,000 in cash or lunch with Jay-Z, which would you choose?”, she asked. “You gotta take the money,” Jay-Z answered.
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King countered by saying that perhaps dining with the mogul would provide someone with wisdom more valuable than the money. “I mean, what am I gonna say? Everything that I’m gonna say — you got all that in the music, what, for $10.99? That’s a bad deal. I wouldn’t tell you to cut a bad deal,” Jay-Z responded with laughter. “Take the $500,000, buy some albums, listen to the albums, it’s all there. If you piece it together, if you listen to the words it’s all there.”
“Everything that I said was going to happen happened,” he continued, referencing one of his key hit albums in relation to his career. “Everything that I said I wanted to do, I’ve done. And there’s ‘The Blueprint’ — the blueprint, literally — to me and my life and my journey is there already.” The immediate response after the clip aired showed some relief that the viral hypothetical debate was over. It was also noted that Jay-Z had already answered the question – via the TIDAL account on X, formerly Twitter back in 2021. “Take the money,”, the post said.
The interview – which will be aired in two parts on Thursday and Friday (October 26 and 27) – was conducted as King and Jay-Z toured The Book of HOV exhibit which is currently on display at the Brooklyn Public Library. The massive exhibit, featuring a recreation of the studio where Jay-Z’s first album Reasonable Doubt was made, made its debut in the summer and has been extended twice due to popular demand.
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As one of Hip-Hop’s greatest talents, Jay-Z hasn’t always batted 100% when it comes to his videos. He admits it is hard for him to watch some of his older visuals.
HipHopDX is reporting that the Brooklyn, New York, native recently spoke to Complex about Hype Williams’ indelible contribution to the culture as a legendary music director. The music site spoke to many of Hype’s most noted collaborators including Missy Elliot, DJ Khaled and Jay-Z. Hov detailed some of his memorable shoots with the film producer. While recalling all their great work the “Dead Presidents” rapper went on to admit that he wasn’t the easiest rapper to work with when it came to bringing his songs to life.
“Hype definitely has a vision for what he wants to see. So he’d be like, ‘Yo, blow the smoke right here and this is gonna be crazy, it’s going to be bananas!’ he explained. “But I don’t know if I was coachable as far as a performance at that time. I don’t know if anyone could coach me, you know, because I was so guarded. I think about the early videos that I have and I listen to myself talking and it’s kind of hard for me to watch. That’s not even how I speak.”
Jay-Z also discussed “Sunshine,” a video that his core fanbase at the time deemed a crossover attempt to grab some of Bad Boy Entertainment’s light. He said the original idea for the shoot was even more grand than the final product. “And then he said the number, and I think it was, like, $1.8 million or something. And I was like, ‘Hype, come on, bro.’ Like I got mad at him. Like are you trying to play me? You think I’m dumb?” he recalled.
“So to fit the budget we stripped the idea down. And I learned a valuable lesson from that. Either I’m going to trust Hype’s vision or I’m going to go with another idea,” he added. “I remember receiving criticism from that video, but I think because of Reasonable Doubt, everyone had this different sort of expectation for me. I’m not going to say it was great. It’s a good song and I just think people didn’t want that from me at the time.”
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You can read the rest of Jay-Z’s interview where he denied he was originally supposed to have DMX’s role in Belly and more here.
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Dame Dash is in a great space years after severing ways with Jay-Z. The Roc-a-fella founder says is more than open to speaking to him to resolve their issues.
XXL Magazine is reporting that the Harlem, New York native recently discussed his former partner in great detail. During the newest episode of The CEO Show he and acclaimed Hip-Hop journalist Datwon Thomas talked the fall of Roc-A-Fella Records in relation to him and Hov. “When I look at what happened between me and Jay it’s like I blame Jay for letting it happen but all the people that really made it happen are the ones that are…benefiting from him the most now,” he explained. “I was stopping them from getting money. My friendship comes before the business. Either way unless he [Jay-Z] was down with it then it wouldn’t [have] happened.”
The former cake-a-holic went on to make it clear that he is willing to have a sit down with Jay-Z to discuss what went wrong. “Where I’m at now is that if Roc-A-Fella and the ones that weren’t billionaires want to get money on the right terms I’m down,” he said. “I’m telling you publicly I will [have the conversation]. And I’ve never not said that. But Jay’s never had that accountability to have that real conversation with me.” Dame Dash went on to add “I always said as a man that we could always talk it up. Men should always be able to talk things up, but I’m really happy with my life right now.”
While he is hopeful that the two can move on from the past don’t expect him to be doing his signature dance at any Jay-Z concert. “I know the world would love to see it and I’m down for it. If we could create something that inspires me, period. I don’t want to be f**king running on the stage dancing around I’m too chubby for that right now” he said.
You can watch the interview below.
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The Carter family has another reason to be proud. JAY-Z and his mother were honored at the annual Brooklyn Public Library gala for their philanthropic efforts.
The New York Times is reporting that the mogul and his mom were both given a special distinction in their beloved borough. They were honored for their joint efforts to bring balance to America’s educational system via their Shawn Carter Foundation. On Monday, October 2 the invite only event was held at the main branch of the facility. While Gloria Carter was not in attendance the “Empire State Of Mind” MC was joined by Desiree Perez, senior executive at Roc Nation. Also in the house were other high profile names including Gayle King, Mayor Eric Adams, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Clara Wu Tsai who co-owns The Brooklyn Nets while Questlove provided the music. JAY-Z was introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer who made multiple references to Hov’s biggest songs.
“As Senate majority leader, I got 99 problems,” joked the politician. “By the way,” Schumer said, “I live across the street and I wake up every morning reading your lyrics,” referring to the rapper’s lyrics that brand the outside of the library. Wearing a black tuxedo JAY-Z took the stage and made it clear he was humbled by the “Book Of Hov” exhibit. “I thought maybe it was like a small room, and it was more than what I deserved,” he explained. “I walked in, and I saw this incredible display. And my [grandmother] Hattie White got to see it,” he added. “She just turned 98 years old, and she’s seen a lot of things. That experience was just overwhelming”.
According to the website the Shawn Carter Foundation provides “college scholarships for young people who have talent and drive but due to mitigating circumstances their grade point averages fall below the minimum to qualify for support at other foundations and institutions.”
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Usher is on cloud 9 about performing at Super Bowl LVIII. He recently shared how he got a call from Jay-Z right after the announcement was made.
On Saturday, September 24 the National Football League made the reveal with a hilarious spoof of Usher’s “Confessions, Pt. II” video featuring Kim Kardashian. Huffington Post is reporting that the Grammy Award winner recently sat down with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. While the two discussed several things the hottest topic was that he will be headlining one of the biggest shows of 2024. He went on to say that Jay-Z was one of the first people to hit his phone to congratulate him. “But when I got this call… he said, ‘It’s time, it’s magic time. You know, it’s time for you to have that moment.’ I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’” Usher recalled. “He’s like, ‘The Super Bowl.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, you ready? Absolutely.’”
The “I Don’t Mind” singer went on to explain that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was destiny.
“I think that everything that led up to that moment, going to Las Vegas for my residency for the last two years, the legacy, obviously that is the music, the celebration of entertainment in that place. It’s the City of Lights. You know, it’s always been a place where entertainers go and find love and passion, connection to their fans,” Usher said.
This is not the first time Usher has graced the Super Bowl stage. Back in 2011, he joined The Black Eye Peas during their headline show. You can see Usher and Zane discussing things below.
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There’s a grainy clip on Youtube that captures the exact moment Timbaland played JAY-Z the culture-shifting “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” beat. While offering Hova the beats for what became Ludacris’ “The Potion,” the super-producer accidentally played the zany instrumental that prompted Jay to respond the same way everyone does when “Dirt Off Your Shoulders” drops—to grimace and violently bop your head.
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One would think that would be Timbaland’s favorite beat he produced for Hov, but it’s not.
While on the pink carpet at the 2023 VMAs, Timbaland revealed the favorite beat he produced for Jay is actually, “It’s Hot (Some Like It Hot)” off Jay’s Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter.
When asked what his favorite beat he produced for JAY-Z, he cooly responded, “When It’s Hot It’s Hot.” He added, “That’s my favorite one.”
“It’s Hot (Some Like It Hot)” wasn’t released as a single, but became a classic Jigga track thanks to the popular line, “Go against Jigga yo a** is dense/ I’m about a dollar — what the f*ck is 50 cents?”
According to HipHopDX, Jay performed the Timbaland-produced track at Hot 97’s Summer Jam to clap back at 50 Cent who had dissed him, earlier in the year, on his ‘99 street anthem, “How To Rob.” 50 Cent revealed the mention helped validate and propel his career.
“I never went to radio until after he said that about me. I don’t know if my career would be where it’s at if he didn’t respond,” he told Rolling Stone in 2003.
Timbaland and Jay Z have collaborated on some of JAY-Z’s biggest hits. From “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” to “Big Pimpin’” to “Nigga What, Nigga Who,” (a personal favorite, “Is That Yo Chick”) and ‘Holy Grail,” Timbo and Jay are a match made in hip-hop heaven.
“It’s Hot” samples Elsie Mae’s “Whole Lot of Lovin’.”
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The Book Of Hov exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum has been a resounding success, and it’s going to stick around a little longer. Also, the Brooklyn rapper turned mogul’s famed “Off-White Lexus” is going to be parked right outside the building.
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Roc Nation has partnered with Lexus to bring a vintage 1993 Lexus GS 300, the same one Jay-Z flexed in the “Dead Presidents” video, to the Brooklyn Museum. Is it the exact same whip? Probably not, but it’s all about the nostalgia. The Book of HOV was originally scheduled to close up shop in the fall but will now end its run at the close of 2023.
“We’re excited to partner with Lexus to bring JAY-Z’s iconic ‘Off-White Lexus’ to The Book of HOV. The new installation adds another element of JAY-Z’s career to the exhibit that visitors can enjoy,” said Desiree Perez, CEO Roc Nation, in a press statement. “The response to The Book Of HOV has been overwhelming, so we’re excited to extend the exhibit to December to ensure new and returning attendees can have enough opportunities to fully immerse themselves into the experience.”
Since opening July 14, the Book Of Hov has reportedly hosted over 255,000 visitors and in turn created over 21,000 new accounts thanks to limited edition Jay-Z library cards.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the Lexus GS 300, a four door sedan, had a retail price of a cool $40,000 back in ’93. High-end Lexus automobiles have been name-checked in various Hip-Hop songs throughout the years, and that fact isn’t lost on the brand itself.
“In further celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we are thrilled to partner with Roc Nation in this special tribute to JAY-Z’s musical legacy,” added Mia Phillips, Senior Manager, Lexus Advertising & Media, in a statement. “The vehicle display is recognition of the mutual respect and admiration between Lexus and JAY-Z, whose brilliance and contributions to culture extend far beyond hip-hop.”
Real recognize real.
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JAY-Z is about to double down on his commitment to criminal reform. He is hosting a 007 themed party that will raise funds for those fighting the system.
Page Six is exclusively, and allegedly, reporting that the Brooklyn, New York native is planning yet another super exclusive charity event this year. Later this month he will host a party in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Players will have to pony up $100,000 dollars to buy in to the blackjack game where the winner will win a million dollars. Non players will have to pay $50,000 dollars to for general entry. It is rumored that the “99 Problems” MC got the inspiration from Michael Rubin’s yearly all white fourth of July party in The Hamptons.
While the invite list has not been publicly released some of the rumored attendees include Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, Emily Ratajkowski, Megan Thee Stallion, several athletes, high profile CEO’s, hedge fund managers and more. Kevin Hart to serve as the emcee with Robert Kraft, Michael Rubin and Meek Mill are set to co-host. The party is said to be happening Saturday, September 30 at Ocean Casino Resort.
JAY-Z’s event will raise funds for REFORM Alliance; which aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing. You can read more about organization here.
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