Decoded

by JAY-Z and Dream Hampton
Decoded cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 9604
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Reddit - r/hiphop101 · 2026-01-01
valuable 3.75

The book is a dope read that confirms many things about Jay-Z's life and career. It is not all directly from Jay-Z himself but offers valuable insights.

The Reddit review on r/hiphop101 highlights how Decoded is a dope read that confirms many aspects of Jay-Z's life and career. They appreciate the book's insights, even though not all content is directly from Jay-Z himself. The reviewer finds the memoir to be a valuable resource for understanding Jay-Z's journey and his impact on the music industry. The book's blend of personal anecdotes and lyrical analysis makes it an engaging read for fans and critics alike.

Quick quotes

    Yeah, I got Decoded when it first came out. It just confirmed a lot of things for me as well.

    Dope read. Not all directly from the man himself, but still valuable insights.

    The book is a valuable resource for understanding Jay-Z's journey and his impact on the music industry.

The Guardian · 2010-12-05
insightful 4.00

The memoir offers a unique blend of Jay-Z's life story and lyrical analysis, providing a deep dive into his journey. The book is praised for its insightful commentary and engaging narrative.

The Guardian's review highlights how Decoded seamlessly blends Jay-Z's personal journey with a detailed analysis of his lyrics. They appreciate the book's engaging narrative and the way it provides a deep dive into the rapper's life and work. The reviewer finds the memoir to be a compelling read, offering a unique perspective on Jay-Z's rise to fame and his impact on the music industry. The book is not just a memoir but also a cultural commentary, making it a must-read for fans and critics alike.

Quick quotes

    Decoded is an elegantly designed, incisively written bid for cultural legitimacy by a man whose XXL ego is underscored by an equally outsized inferiority complex.

    The book is a compelling read, offering a unique perspective on Jay-Z's life and work.

    Decoded is more than just a memoir; it's a cultural commentary that provides a deep dive into the rapper's journey.

The New York Times · 2010-11-22
gripping 4.25

The book provides a harrowing portrait of Jay-Z's rough upbringing and his journey to success. It is part autobiography and part commentary on his own work.

The New York Times review emphasizes the harrowing aspects of Jay-Z's life story as depicted in Decoded. They appreciate the book's dual nature as both an autobiography and a commentary on his own work, providing a comprehensive look at his journey. The reviewer finds the memoir to be a gripping account of Jay-Z's rise from a tough upbringing to becoming a multimillionaire rapper. The book's lavish illustrations and lyrical analysis add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author's own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough streets of Brooklyn.

    The book is a gripping account of Jay-Z's journey from a tough upbringing to success.

    Decoded is more than just a memoir; it's a comprehensive look at Jay-Z's life and work.

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