Jay-Z’s catalog is amazing. Besides being a critically acclaimed and award-winning musician, going through his catalog like a PhD is Fastlane Entrepreneurship. If you’re looking for some powerful entrepreneurial lessons, look no further than his discography. He’s Hip-Hop’s first self-made billionaire and he did it mostly through various business ventures; and most importantly his entire entrepreneurial journey from rags to riches is documented throughout his music.
Forbes –Jay-Z: A Lesson On The Power Of Entrepreneurial Capitalism
Wall Street Journal – The State of Jay-Z's Empire
I've been listening to his work since I was 16 years old (and still do) and I'd say he's hands-down one of the most influential figures in my life.
But the real value in his work is how well-documented it is through his music. Imagine there was a billionaire who kept a diary. Well that’s essentially what you have. A man who used music as his diary. And it's all stuffed into an entertaining, musical package. For the past 25 years, he’s taken all his thoughts and put them into music. His entire journey from poverty to obscene wealth is documented in his catalog.
Most fascinating to me is the attitude of ‘no excuses.’ He grew up in Marcy Projects, which is one of the single most dangerous and poverty-stricken neighborhoods in the United States. Growing up his situation was probably significantly worse than any of ours. But despite his bleak situation, he wanted to be financially successful. So he sold drugs to raise money to start a record label. He knew that there was good money in Hip-Hop as a product so he learned why some musicians sold tons of records, and why some musicians just sat on the shelves. While he does use music as a form of expression, he also knows that it’s a product – and in order for it to sell it has to be the best product.
Problem was - despite people liking his music – no record labels would sign him. The record execs just thought his style of music wouldn’t sell. So what did he do? Just started his own record label. I’ve always found it to be an inspirational lesson on not letting anything get in your way.
The way he works is a huge lesson in the Commandment of Control. To this day he owns all his own music. Most other musicians (even enormously successful ones) sign away the rights to their music then they get a percentage. Where Jay owns all his music. Where other artists may get 10-20% of what's sold he's getting more like 70% after expenses. And in the 2010’s when the music industry started changing and moving toward streaming services - he just started his own streaming service, which is now also very successful (Tidal.)
Anyway, whether of not you’re into that type of music I suggest giving it a chance. If you get past his bravado and braggy demeanor there’s actually tons and tons of wisdom there.
The 4 Powerful Business Secrets Jay-Z Reveals in Epic 4:44 Album
If you’re interested and don’t know where to start, I’d start with 4:44, The Black Album, The Blueprint or American Gangster. Reasonable Doubt is also amazing if you want to see his earlier work and understand the mindset of a young kid who will do whatever it takes to attain obscene success.
Otherwise you can head over to metacritic or ask below.
Forbes –Jay-Z: A Lesson On The Power Of Entrepreneurial Capitalism
Wall Street Journal – The State of Jay-Z's Empire
I've been listening to his work since I was 16 years old (and still do) and I'd say he's hands-down one of the most influential figures in my life.
But the real value in his work is how well-documented it is through his music. Imagine there was a billionaire who kept a diary. Well that’s essentially what you have. A man who used music as his diary. And it's all stuffed into an entertaining, musical package. For the past 25 years, he’s taken all his thoughts and put them into music. His entire journey from poverty to obscene wealth is documented in his catalog.
Most fascinating to me is the attitude of ‘no excuses.’ He grew up in Marcy Projects, which is one of the single most dangerous and poverty-stricken neighborhoods in the United States. Growing up his situation was probably significantly worse than any of ours. But despite his bleak situation, he wanted to be financially successful. So he sold drugs to raise money to start a record label. He knew that there was good money in Hip-Hop as a product so he learned why some musicians sold tons of records, and why some musicians just sat on the shelves. While he does use music as a form of expression, he also knows that it’s a product – and in order for it to sell it has to be the best product.
Problem was - despite people liking his music – no record labels would sign him. The record execs just thought his style of music wouldn’t sell. So what did he do? Just started his own record label. I’ve always found it to be an inspirational lesson on not letting anything get in your way.
The way he works is a huge lesson in the Commandment of Control. To this day he owns all his own music. Most other musicians (even enormously successful ones) sign away the rights to their music then they get a percentage. Where Jay owns all his music. Where other artists may get 10-20% of what's sold he's getting more like 70% after expenses. And in the 2010’s when the music industry started changing and moving toward streaming services - he just started his own streaming service, which is now also very successful (Tidal.)
Anyway, whether of not you’re into that type of music I suggest giving it a chance. If you get past his bravado and braggy demeanor there’s actually tons and tons of wisdom there.
The 4 Powerful Business Secrets Jay-Z Reveals in Epic 4:44 Album
If you’re interested and don’t know where to start, I’d start with 4:44, The Black Album, The Blueprint or American Gangster. Reasonable Doubt is also amazing if you want to see his earlier work and understand the mindset of a young kid who will do whatever it takes to attain obscene success.
Otherwise you can head over to metacritic or ask below.
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