JAY-Z: Made in America - A Lyrical Legacy of Hustling, Politics, and Social Justice
NOW A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY BESTSELLER
"Dyson writes with the affection of a fan but the rigor of an academic. ... Using extensive passages from Jay-Z's lyrics, 'Made in America' examines the rapper's role as a poet, an aesthete, an advocate for racial justice and a business, man, but devotes much of its energy to Hova the Hustler." —Allison Stewart, The Washington Post
"Dyson's incisive analysis of JAY-Z's brilliance not only offers a brief history of hip-hop's critical place in American culture, but also hints at how we can best move forward." —Questlove
JAY-Z: Made in America is the fruit of Michael Eric Dyson's decade of teaching the work of one of the greatest poets this nation has produced. This book wrestles with the biggest themes of JAY-Z's career, including hustling, politics, race, criminal justice, black wealth and social injustice. As JAY-Z enters his fifties, and to mark his thirty years as a recording artist, this is the perfect time to examine his lyrical legacy and role in shaping modern America.
JAY-Z's influence extends beyond music, making him a defining voice in our national conversation. Through his lyrics, we can better understand the complexities of being black in America today. Featuring a Foreword by Pharrell, JAY-Z: Made in America is a celebration of a modern poet and cultural icon.