Decoded

Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time.

Praise for Decoded:

"Compelling, provocative, evocative. Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author's own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough worlds Jay-Z navigated in his youth, while at the same time deconstructing his lyrics." - Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

"One of a handful of books that just about any hip hop fan should own." - The New Yorker

"Elegantly designed, incisively written. An impressive leap by a man who has never been known for small steps." - Los Angeles Times

"A riveting exploration of Jay-Z's journey. So thoroughly engrossing, it reads like a good piece of cultural journalism." - The Boston Globe

"Shawn Carter's most honest airing of the experiences he drew on to create the mythic figure of Jay-Z. The scenes he recounts along the way are fascinating." - Entertainment Weekly

"Hip-hop's renaissance man drops a classic. Heartfelt, passionate and slick." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review).