By: Julie Em
Since the debut of Reasonable Doubt in 1996, Shawn Corey Carter has been killing the game and finding ways to reinvent while staying true to his purpose.
His music has always taken me through an emotional journey from growing up with modest beginnings, to appreciating the relationship with my father before he passed, and ensuring my hustle game is always strong.
The release of 4:44 has encouraged many people, particularly black people, to re-examine their lives, promote the growth of the family unit, and tap into the innate characteristics of being innovative and creating spaces for self and community. However, Shawn didn’t just “pop up in this b*tch like a fetus.” He’s BEEN dropping Jewels. Since June of ‘96.
Jay-Z has always and will always be relevant. Take a look at the first 11 Jewels aka Volume One of 44 Jewels From Jay-Z.
1.
Bars: “Every time I hit the ground, I bounce up like round ball.” – Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love), The Blueprint
Jewel: Perseverance and resilience are two critical elements in achieving any level of success. At times, we think that pure talent will get us there. But it is not about how you deal with your wins, but how you reflect and recover from your losses.
2.
Bars: “You know why they call the projects a project, because it’s a project. An experiment we’re in it, only as objects, and the object for us to explore our prospects, and sidestep cops on the way to the top – yes!” – Do U Wanna Ride (An Ode to Emory Jones), Kingdom Come
Jewel: This speaks to the inception of the welfare housing system in America and how project housing was an “experiment” to centralize local poverty and keep underrepresented and disadvantaged communities systemically oppressed. Nope, this is not an opinion. It’s a fact. This Jewel is a history lesson and an early subtle call for listeners to take not of systematic oppression in the built environment and think about moving beyond it.
3.
Bars: ”Whether we dribble out this mother****** rap metaphors and riddle out this mother******, work second floors, hospital out this mother******, somehow we gotta get up out this mother******.” – Some How, Some Way, The Blueprint 2: The Gift and The Curse
Jewel: In underserved communities, there is a lack of exposure to what possibilities exist for members of this community. In these bars, there appears to be three different ways you can make it out – a rapper, a ball player, or a medical professional. Exposure is critical. Leveling up can change your whole mind set and change the course of your path.
4.
Bars: “Labels turned me down, couldn’t foresee, Clark sought me out, Dame believed.” – Momma Loves Me, The Blueprint
Jewel: Iron sharpens iron; surround yourself with dope people who believe in you. In life, people will not support or even believe in your dreams, but know that you’ve done the work, you’ve studied and perfected the craft. And if you haven’t – get to it. Your job is to keep pursuing your dreams and put yourself into positions and spaces where your “Clark” will find you and your “Dame” will believe in you.
5.
Bars: “Think I just popped up in this b*tch like a fetus nah, pregnant pause, give you some second thoughts, don’t abort, Marcy Me.” – Marcy Me, 4:44
Jewel: Can we just pause for the cause and congratulate Shawn Corey for this bar? Double Entendres for days! Don’t let anyone ever have you thinking that you’re new to the game. Many people do not “get on” until after years of late nights and early mornings. People will assume that it was handed to you overnight, but nah…you’ve been here, putting in this work.
6.
Bars: “Cry Jay-Z, we know the pain is real, but you can’t heal what you never reveal.” – Kill Jay-Z, 4:44
Jewel: Unfortunately, vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness. Reject that narrative. There is power in sharing your experiences to the level you feel comfortable. Not only does it free you, but it also gives others the permission and inspiration to free themselves in order to heal. And even if you do not feel comfortable sharing with others, you have a responsibility to be honest with yourself first, face your pain and seek ways to heal.
7.
Bars: “I’m different, I can’t base what I’m gon’ be off of what everybody isn’t.” – Kill Jay-Z, 4:44
Jewel: On her Unplugged Album, Lauryn Hill quoted Biblical scripture from the Book of Corinthians that “we compare ourselves amongst ourselves, you fools.” Be careful out here on the gram…comparing yourself to the images people present on social media. You were specially and wonderfully crafted to bring your gift to the world in your way, and that’s your superpower. You’re different. Own that. Jay did. Jesus did too – for the record!
8.
Bars: “What you eat don’t make me ish.” – Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love), The Blueprint
Jewel: People project. Don’t own other people’s fears, insecurities, and self-esteem issues. How we treat each other has nothing to do with the other person but has everything to do with you and how you feel about yourself. Let them eat that and work through that plate.
9.
Bars: “Finish your breakfast.” – Public Service Announcement, The Black Album
Jewel: Speaking of food…breakfast is the food of champs and it helps you start your day off right. This is metaphorical for starting things off right, the first time. You should always approach the more basic tasks and goals with as much fervor and thoroughness that you would with the more complicated larger ones. And there are times, you have to be an unpaid intern grabbing coffee until you are a mogul running the town. Bozoma Saint. John was a temp assistant for Spike Lee’s advertising agency and now she’s out here making power moves in the disruptive tech shared economy, figuratively and literally. Pac was a roadie for Digital Underground before he rose to stardom and the world became enamored with his gift. So…finish your breakfast.
10.
Bars: “It ain’t about your city or borough, it’s about if you really as thorough and if you are…holla atcha boi. I put my hand on my heart, that means I feel ya, real recognize real and you lookin’ familiar.” – All Around the World, The Blueprint 2: The Gift and The Curse
Jewel: Most people take pride in where they come from and rep it hard. Believe me, I rep Houston and Nigeria ALL day long. But here, Jay-Z is saying, in this moment, what matters is your desire and the actions you take to be your most authentic self. And when you show the real you, you attract your tribe.
11.
Bars: “I’m clear why I’m here, how ‘bout you?” – Family Feud, 4:44
Jewel: According to Auntie Oprah, there are two important days of your life: The day you are born, and the day you discover why. Get clear about your calling and get busy doing what you’ve been called to do.
Stay Tuned for 44 Jewels Vol II coming out Dec 2, 2017
About the Author
Julie Em
Julie Em is a hip hop storyteller, mathematician, proud Houstonian by way of Nigeria, Obama alum, tech lawyer, and most importantly – Jesus Lover/Worshipper/Glorifier (insert your favorite praise-worthy adjective here).
She likes plantains and tacos. A lot.