By: Julie Em
In 11:44, 22:44, and 33:44, we discussed the first 33 lessons Jay-Z has taught us through his music.
Check out the final 11 Jewels from Jay-Z – Focused on Family and Lineage.
Bars:
Jewel:
It is easy to fall into group think and allow the opinions of others to color your judgment and actions towards different situations and people. No one on earth is independent, but you should be able to independently think for yourself once you’ve gathered all the facts you need to make a decision. Also, when you are not clear on a situation, step back from it, let it breathe, and watch it closely. People and situations often reveal themselves with little help from you.
Bars:
Jewel:
These bars are heavy as bricks. Similar to many other countries, in my family’s native land (shout out to Nigeria #OmoNaija), there is a reverence for ancestry and those who have paved the way. For example, there are chiefs who are older members of tribes who settle disputes because of their infinite wisdom. Every generation’s goal is that the generation after them is better off than they themselves were. Remember that you stand on the shoulders of great mean and women who wanted more for you. Remember, “You are your Ancestors wildest dreams.” Honor that, and hopefully, you can pass that onto the next generation.
Bars:
Jewel:
Building a legacy that outlives you should be one of your goals. For those who may be the first in their family to create generational wealth, it can be daunting to figure out how or where to start. Seek out a financial planner and immerse yourself in financial literacy, whether through social media groups, listservs, or Youtube videos. There are ways to make your money work for you and begin to create the life you want financially with sound planning.
Bars:
Jewel:
Do not wait for permission to do what you feel called to do. We let fear paralyze us from moving forward. Fear that the time is not right, your circumstances are not the best, or that you aren’t good enough. Often times, you will find yourself alone in these pursuits. Get comfortable with it. Follow what your inner voice is telling you to do, no matter what the forecast looks like around you.
Bars:
Jewel:
There’s something about the Water that is so incredibly soothing and serene while elusively vast and painful. Many slaves died in transit during the slave trade across the Atlantic Ocean and the East African Slave Trade from Bagamoya across the Indian Ocean. Shawn. There is a beautiful book of poetry called, “Preparing my Daughter for Rain” by Key Ballah (who is an absolute star and one of the most kind and thoughtful people I have ever met in my life). Her poetry speaks to the relationship between the African diaspora, their connection to land and water, and the ancestral trauma created as a result. In case you missed it, 4:44 describes the reality of ancestral trauma in the black community. Take the time to know your history, the pain that has been buried, and its impacts to your family lineage.
Bars:
Jewel:
It takes a special kind of grit and fearlessness to move to a different country. Leaving your native land to come to a place that is foreign and new territory for you takes a lot of courage and sacrifice. I get disgusted when I see someone disregard another person because they have an accent. As a matter of fact, one of my non-negotiables dealing with people is that if you can’t treat a CEO the way you would treat a janitor, then you are not my kind of people. Remember that no matter where we come from, we are more alike than we are different. And if you see someone from another country being treated poorly or with disrespect, I encourage you to stand up for them and educate the other person doing the mistreatment. Because ten times out of nine, way back in their ancestry line, they were once immigrants too.
Bars:
Jewel:
The kitchen table is metaphorical for where we learn a lot of our lessons as well as knowledge about the way the world operates around us. Pay attention to the exposure your children, nieces, nephews, mentees and all of the young people in your life are receiving from you. Cultivate and protect it with your life; they are the future. The skills you give them today will prepare them for their journey ahead.
Bars:
Jewel:
Similar to the kitchen table where Shawn honed his skills, the kitchen table is metaphorical for your rearing as a child and as a community. People think experience is the best teacher, but exposure truly is. Exposure allows you to understand and appreciate what is possible for your life. Even when exposed or enlightened, if you are not equipped with the tools necessary for success, you start off at a disadvantage. The goal is to get the tools needed and share that knowledge with others so that everyone wins.
Bars:
Jewel:
We can run from the very things that hold us emotionally hostage within our families. And for some, running from it may be the very thing you need to do, literally. But not figuratively. At some point, we all have to deal with our family history and experiences. Suppressing emotions towards those experiences does more harm than good in the long run. Rather, confronting your feelings, understanding their source, dealing with the pain, and healing from your experience is truly a gift and not a curse.
Bars:
Jewel:
This is the most personal quote on 4:44 for me. Jay Z’s father passed away shortly after they were reconnected. My father passed away within a year of us being reconnected in the same country after 20 years. The Jewel here is “Do not hold anything back; time waits for no one.” Make sure you let your family members know how much you love them or how much they’ve hurt you. We often hold our parents to a high unattainable standard because we see them as super humans while we are growing up. Whether your relationship is A-1 or strained with your parents, forgive them, make peace, and cherish every moment – good or bad. After all, they are human too.
Bars:
Jewel:
Because don’t they always? Never forget that. Our parents did the very best they could with what they had. My mom had me in her early 20s, and I asked her recently, “Girl, how did you raise children in a country that was foreign to you?” I am in my 30s and probably could not take care of a goldfish (maybe tropical fish, I should give myself more credit). All that to say, give them grace. They tried the best could, and if they didn’t, thank God anyways, you’re here ain’t ya?
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.