Books Written by Rapper Jay-Z

When most people think of Jay-Z, they see the legendary rapper, business mogul, and cultural icon. But beyond the mic and boardrooms, Jay-Z has also made his mark in the world of publishing. Not just music publishing but book publishing. More than just lyrics, Jay-Z’s literary contributions offer rare insights into his life, philosophy, and the mechanics behind his success. How many books has Jay-Z written? 2. (so far at the time of this post) Here’s a look at the books written by Jay-Z:

1. The Black Book (2003, Canceled)

This was the first book written by Jay-Z, this project was a promotional piece released alongside Jay-Z’s The Black Album. The Black Book was a collector’s item, printed in limited quantities and primarily distributed to industry insiders and fans before it eventually got canceled. Though this book is not a commercially available book & very hard to find, it’s still worth noting.

What’s Inside Jay-Z’s The Black Book?

• Personal notes and commentary from Jay-Z

• Stories behind the recording & making of The Black Album

• Reflections on retiring from rap (at the time)

• Visual elements and behind-the-scenes photography

 

2.  Decoded (2010)

This was Jay-Z’s first official published book. Jay-Z’s most well-known book, Decoded, is part autobiography, part cultural commentary, and part lyrical analysis. Decoded was released in 2010, the book dives deep into the meaning behind many of Jay-Z’s most iconic songs, offering readers a breakdown of the stories, emotions, and social issues embedded in his lyrics. Decoded is a must-read for fans of Jay-Z, Hip-Hop, culture, and anyone interested in the mind of one of the greatest lyricists of our time.

What’s inside Jay-Z’s Decoded book?

• Annotated lyrics from over 30 Jay-Z tracks

• Personal stories from his upbringing in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects

• Commentary on hip-hop, politics, race, and the criminal justice system

• Reflections on his evolution from hustler to artist to entrepreneur

While Jay-Z has only officially authored Decoded, his reach and influence extends into other books like biographies, business books, and more. Other authors frequently reference his career in discussions of entrepreneurship, brand-building, and Hip-Hop’s cultural impact.

 

Some notable titles about Jay-Z include:

• Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office by Zack O’Malley Greenburg

• The Book of HOV: A Tribute to Jay-Z

• Jay-Z: Made in America by Michael Eric Dyson

• The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44 + A Step by Step Guide on How to Implement Each Financial Principle by Ash Cash

Jay-Z’s contributions to literature is few but deep in substance. Decoded stands out as a groundbreaking work that bridges Hip-Hop and literature, offering fans and scholars alike a deeper look at the complexity of rap music.

As Jay-Z once said:

“You can pay for school, but you can’t buy class.”

— Decoded, 2010

Want to read more Hip-Hop books like any of these titles? Check our full collection at HipHopBooks.com for the greatest books in Rap/Hip-Hop.

A book every Rap/Hip-Hop fan should have in their library is the Rap Dictionary.