By: Julie Em
In the previous article, we discussed the First 11 Jewels from Jay-Z. Check out the next 11 Jewels on 22:44.
Bars:
Jewel:
This is the most profound quote on 4:44. First of all, it is Shakespeare, who was an incredibly deep and profound artist who had bars for days. But more than anything, this verse tackles every fear or doubt you have of yourself. We sometimes are afraid of just how great we can be, so out of fear, we regress and play small.
Bars: 
Jewel:
Keep going. Don’t stop for anything or anyone. No matter how bleak your circumstance looks or what everyone around you is saying – Keep. Going. In the words of Kanye, “we don’t even stop to get gas, if we can move through the rumors, we can drive off of fumes.”
Bars: 
Jewel:
Jay-Z did not set out to be a rapper. He was a hustler first, trying to take care of his family. Pac felt the same way. He never wanted to be a rapper, instead, he wanted to go to school and pursue a career in acting. But he couldn’t reconcile going to school when his mother’s lights were out and there was no food in the fridge. Sometimes we pursue careers because they give stability as opposed to the careers that are aligned with our true passions. Try to live a balanced life that allows you to pursue your Album and Mixtape.
Bars:
Jewel:
My grad school statistics professor told my class not to buy the statistics book. Instead, he said he would teach us everything we need to know mathematically. But, he required us to buy the book From Good to Great which challenges you to live the very best version of your life. There is no room for mediocrity – you weren’t put here to be average. Start being intentional about how you make that shift.
Bars: 
Jewel:
Shine denotes the ability to just be a bright light, but illuminate means to shine a light on something. Instead of just shining for the world for people to just “see”, enlighten the world and put people on game for people to “feel.” Basically, “Don’t be Eye Candy, be Soul Food.”
Bars: 
Jewel:
John Gray said in one his sermons, “Someone’s season may be up in your life, but their seasoning still remains. Do not demonize the person because their season ended.” When someone turns on you and you are no longer both growing in the same direction, be okay with that. The reality is many relationships run their course, and for some, it is a hard pill to swallow. Instead of demonizing the person, thank God for the experience, heed the lesson, and move on.
Bars: 
Jewel:
Transition is a natural part of life. And many times, we have to let go of things or people to move into the next level of what we are here to do. If you really love it and it is really meant to be, it will come back to you.
Bars: 
Jewel:
Can I Live was my favorite Jay-Z song pre 4:44. The beauty of Can I Live is that desperation of the hustle and getting on the other side of the game. Your experiences will have high and low points and although you may have been careless before in different situations, it’s now time to level up. Claim what you want (“soon to see a milli” or whatever that vision if for you) and level up to get that very thing. However, you have to put childish things away, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a (Wo)Man, I put away childish things.”
The Jewel here – Growth and Maturity.
Bars: 
Jewel:
Mental health issues are real and are hardly acknowledged in the black community. One of the major tragedies as a result of mental health issues is suicide. I don’t care how put together and perfect someone may appear, everyone has a breaking point. If you feel close to your breaking point or know anyone who may be at this point, please seek help or any similar organization in your community.
Bars: 
Jewel:
Thinking about mortality can be quite morbid and a topic many people avoid at all costs. But the reality is you can’t take your fancy car, nice shoes, or wardrobe with you when you leave this earth. However, you can create a legacy that lives beyond you. What is the art (or the legacy) that you are creating that will be benefit others long after you are gone?
Bars:
Jewel:
This is self-explanatory. And this used to be my greatest Achilles heel because of the way my love for logic and math is set up. But I’ve learned, plan with a pencil and allow yourself to be open to what God brings you. 99.9% of the time, it is better than you could’ve planned or imagine for yourself.
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.