Jay-z sets the tone for the rap industry as well as the "hip-hop generation. He never blends and often he is met with a mild resistance that soon passes as everyone follows suit. Whether it's a throwback and a fitted, cristal, a button up and jeans, no shoes on the car, or can't wear skinny jeans, the hip-hop generation falls in line with what Hov has to say.

In looking to understand Jay-Z's personality. There is a sense of connection he makes with his fans that allow for them to accurately predict he is unpredictable. His elaborate explanations of concepts allows for one to close their eyes and imagine as if they were him. He is the most productive rapper alive. Due to his opportunistic and "go getter" lifestyle, he has become one of the most successful men in the entire entertainment industry. To see someone that is from the African-American community, that is representative of the "street" culture, to be so knowledgeable of politics and other world issues gives light to the situations that we take for granted. He had no real financial need to put out another album, but clearly its not about that. He, by his actions, is emphasizing that the mind is a terrible thing to waste. I dont blame you Mr. Carter, continue to create and produce. Your music matters!!

The personality concepts of Jay-Z has been understood since he arrived on the scene in the 90's! At first, he had aspirations of being like a Common, but that's not the way things turned out for him. Fortunately, his personality began to fuel his talent and allowed him to make a name for himself. Ever since he allowed his personality to emerge and give his own self an edge he became famous. The most intriguing aspect of Jay-Z is that he came from the crack-dealing projects of Brooklyn just like a lot of other rappers originated from. But, he has evolved into this man who has learned so much from through the years, and now he is showing off his maturity. Letting all who doubt him that he has the ability to grow and become a more creative artist. He has remained TRUE to his personality to keep his fans, but grew in ideas & creativity to leave a TRUE mark on this world.

In a career that is primarily based off of the public's opinion Jay-z has remained constant in what is primarily perceived as his personality. This consistency gives him an aura of authenticity. Hip-hop is notorious for being a place where the view of one's authenticity can make or brake them. I stated that he primarily remains constant in that the main aspects of his personality that we see has remained constant but in that he has also grown and developed into more mature thinking and behavior. For example he doesn't engage in 'beef' with anyone that approaches him as before nor does he continuously talk about how hard he is or how much 'weight' he's still moving. This change/development/maturation also adds to his authenticity as people are known and expected to slightly change and mature over time. And for one to be constant in everything and not engage in this maturation would not only make them boring in the publics eye but also unreal or non-authentic.

Jay-Z's personality has been consistent throughout his illustrious career. His consistency and sincerity has made him into the rap icon that people see today. His consistency is the reason why people admire and can relate to him. His songs tell a story and disclose to his listeners his personality.

I think everyone could agree to some extent that Jay-Z always is true and real to himself. It has even been previously stated in previous comments. I think Jay-Z, even as he matures, is able to do this because he has a strong character structure and role structure. Character structure comes from his up bringing. He was in a certain situation yet had a mother that was a very prominent figure in his life. So this probably fuelled his drive to succeed at all cost. Through it all he would arise and find his role character amongst adults. To drop the hottest tracks that remained true to character and to be come an icon for all. This is one reason why no one will ever question who Jay-Z is and there will be no mistaken identity!

I'm glad that he has set the standard of how far you can go in life, regardless of the situation. I bet anyone didn't imagine that this kid would ever reach this height of being able to transcend all barriers placed on him and still have the hunger to reach even higher.

I think Mr. Rice makes some very good points about the expression of identity in Jay-Z's lyrics. I think the only thing that has been permanent throughout Jay's lyricism and style is a true and grandiose "larger than life" quality that is backed up constantly. Jay justifies his status constantly, telling the listener how quickly he's sold out one stadium or made so many million. Instead of just proclaiming his place in the pantheon of Hip-Hop, he proves he deserves to be there. In that respect, his presentation of self -- distinctly different from many other rappers for the aforementioned -- is more authentic and more substantial from his contemporaries, and is worthy of further study.

Jay-Z place in hip hop is at the very top, theres no doubt about that. Its amazing how a rapper can go from trying to get signed, to a top of the forbes list as one of the richest men in the world. It's also amazing to see a rapper have such a close relationship with the President of the United States of America. I never would have thought i would see that day. This interview helped me understand how grand of a stage Jay-Z stands on in the hip hop world.

After listening to the interview I was able to further understand why Jay-Z is only a recent phenomenon to me. As an artist and strictly that it is hard to appreciate his work entirely and attribute it all to the "genius" of Jay-z. As mentioned in the interview his album was produced or co-produced by Kanye West. It causes me to wonder if that is why I enjoy his C.D. Did Kanye help him re-work some lyrics? Change some rhymes? Although I know that everyone in the business does not do everything by themselves, I question whether he as an artist has improved, or his surroundings, perhaps both. While his lyrics have never been poor, I find that it is only recently that his words "stick" to his audience as it has in recent years. There is no doubt that he is a wonderful lyricist I’m still left expecting more.

This article says it all. I would rate Jay-Z second only to 50 Cent when it comes to racking in profit for the year. This just goes to show you that Jay-Z is more than just a man who has "crazy flow", but has the mindset to expand and invest for future terms. His reign in the game is due to the fact that he is just plain smarter than some of these other rappers who don't know how to managed their money, or for that matter their career's which is why they only stay current in the rap/ business game a year before their buzz dies out. Jigga been in the game over 10 years and is still current. What more is to be said about this guy.

In this piece, the span of Jay's market was certainly confirmed as perhaps the greatest or one of the greatest of all hip-hop rappers. Yet most intriguing to me is that Jay has been able to genuinely stay true to his identity, where he comes from, and how he chose to represent.
Never have I ever questioned Jay's credibility because he's always been just Jay. Yes, his style and mannerisms have matured over the years yet his swag has been consistent -- a brand we've come to know, identify with, and love. By staying true to his sense of self and purpose, his career has been able to grow far past what I'm sure he ever originally intended. For peace sakes, he even has President Barack Obama "brushing his shoulders off" in front of millions to see.
Now that's what I call POWER & INFLUENCE.