Grammology.com » Blog Archive » The Jay-Z Phenomenon, more of what our kids are watching

The Jay-Z Phenomenon, more of what our kids are watching

29 January 2010 15 Comments

Let’s continue on the subject of what our kids and grandkids are into these days.

Let’s talk Jay-Z (real name Shawn Corey Carter).

He’s a rapper and rap music deserves our attention, it certainly has our kids’ attention!

He’s married to Beyonce.
He’s considered the godfather of rap.
He has gone from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York in one of the most notoriously dangerous neighborhoods, to becoming one of the most successful corporations in the music business with publishing, clothing (Rocawear), recording to name a few.

He is certainly one of the brightest and most talented in the music industry at age 41. When I watched him on Oprah (he seldom does interviews), I was struck by his humility, grateful attitude toward success and sense of humor as he helped Oprah rap.

Jay Z has ignited more young acts than we can count here including Rihanna and has much to do with steering Beyonce’s career and musical choices.

What I love most about Jay Z is his unabashed love of his country with the city of New York being one of his favorites subjects…he even sang his song “Empire State of Mind” at the big Yankees ticker tape parade this year. This is one of my favorite Jay Z videos, a duet with Alicia Keys. It is an ode to his beloved Yankees and his city…a nod to the World Trade Centers, a caution to young women who can get snared in the city’s dangers and more.

His performance on the Hope for Haiti telethon was one of the best—”Haiti Mon Amour” was done with Bono from U2 and Rihanna.

Parents and grandparents, don’t be afraid to watch them over and over, the words come fast and furious but have meaning not to be dismissed…you know our kids can sing every word, so they’re worth our understanding too!

15 Comments »

Connie said:

Dorothy,
Love these posts! I watched Lady Ga Ga with my 21 year old son. He had his comments to say about her and they were interesting. Of course, All the single ladies” were a hit with him! I feel like I’m learning a little more so I can have a “knowledgeable” conversation with my kids! They might think I’m hip!

# 30 January 2010 at 12:05 am

meleah rebeccah said:

I love LOVE love Jay Z!

# 30 January 2010 at 1:05 am

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# 30 January 2010 at 4:45 am

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# 30 January 2010 at 8:13 am

Nitin said:

yea.. but not only jay z.. there are soo many. snoop dog is another nice guy. then brad pit and angelina jolie. lady gaga. i think now a days , atleast a few celebrities are doing good things. some of em actually still use their brains. and they stand for certain causes. its truly inspiring. but even then. they are only a few of em.
i think a time has come when these people have realized that their celebrity status means more than a lot of people loving em.. and that is a saving grace for humanity.

# 30 January 2010 at 12:37 pm

askcherlock said:

You are so right about Jay Z. We need to pay more attention to some of these celebrities and learn from them. Too often parents and grandparents dismiss them out-of-hand, much like my parents did when Rock ‘n Roll began. But lo and behold, my Mom at least, was hip and enjoyed much of the songs and entertainers too—-once she let down that guard against something new. BTW, I love Lady Gaga. She is smart and talented. I think she will be around a long time. To be honest, I had to get past her name and actually listen to her before I could enjoy her talent.

# 30 January 2010 at 2:26 pm

OldOldLady Of The Hills said:

There are a lot of very talented young people around these days–like Jay-Z….A responsible thoughtful caring man….And I like Alicia Keyes very much and Beonce, too…Lady Ga Ga…a phenomenom!

# 30 January 2010 at 2:38 pm

Gran said:

I love this guy!

# 30 January 2010 at 5:03 pm

C said:

omg! I was watching Hope For Haiti, and was watching that song, and I LOVED it, but until reading this post of yours, had NO IDEA who the people singing it were! And! I always listen to Rihanna and Jay-Z! hahahahahah! And I didn’t even recognize them! hahahahahahha! omg!

Thank you for posting this, I’m gonna share the vid on my FB!

:-* (kisses)

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