Jay-Z

Made in America

By: Michael Eric Dyson, Pharrell - foreword

Narrated by: Michael Eric Dyson, Nick Cannon

This program is read by the author, and includes an introduction written by Pharrell, and read by Nick Cannon.

"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, as gifted a wordsmith as Walt Whitman, Robert Frost and Rita Dove. But as a rapper, he’s sometimes not given the credit he deserves for just how great an artist he’s been for so long.

This audiobook wrestles with the biggest themes of Jay-Z's career, including hustling, and it recognizes the way that he’s always weaved politics into his music, making important statements about race, criminal justice, Black wealth, and social injustice. As he enters his 50s, and to mark his 30 years as a recording artist, this is the perfect time to take a look at Jay-Z’s career and his role in making this nation what it is today. In many ways, this is Jay-Z’s America as much as it’s Pelosi’s America, or Trump’s America, or Martin Luther King’s America. Jay-Z has given this country a language to think with and words to live by.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Michael Eric Dyson (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

Named a November must-read by Salon | A The Washington Post 50 notable works of nonfiction in 2019 | Detroit Free Press' Holiday gift guide 2019: The best books that will inspire and delight readers

"This book is a long look into hip-hop’s critical place in culture. Dyson reveals the role of politics, criminal justice and social change in the words and music of Jay-Z." (Detroit Free Press)

"Under Dyson’s guidance, to read about Jay-Z is to learn not just about the journey and works but also about ourselves, our history, our world, and our way forward... we are sitting in a classroom under the spell of a captivating teacher." (Library Journal, Starred Review)

"[An] astute cultural biography... Dyson’s excellent study serves as a succinct blueprint of Jay-Z’s artistry and legacy." (Publishers Weekly)

Tremendous artwork by Dr. Dyson!

This phenomenal literature this will be on repeat for me for days to come, thanks!

A lesson for the less informed!

Great audio book! Dyson brings the subject to life and opens eyes to transformation and black genius!

Poignant and refreshing

Michael Eric Dyson did a superb job of paying homage to Jay-Z aka Shawn Carter while breaking down his lyrical content. He parallels the experiences and contributions of notable black men nevertheless acknowledging the need for emotional maturity and respect for Black women. Bravo

jayz

it was well narrated and real. was so informative and educational. was so satisfied with the story line.

greatly written

I learned alot. I seen him alot on social media and gladbi checked him out. lots of swag for an academic

Improved understanding

Love author's oratory. The indepth analysis of the entertainer in the multiple contextual layers of race, class, gender, generations and fortunes ; is absolutely masterful.

Supreme Look at the lines and times of Jay-Z

Must Read! Must have! I always try to explain but Dr. Dyson did it best!

More of a Jay Z Textbook

Great analysis of jays body of work but reads like a textbook as opposed to biography

Great!

Incredible breakdown of the artistry of Jay Z and hip hop in general. The academic approach to understand the hustle was great.

Well written & well spoken.

Doope. Good listen!
i finished this less than 24 hours and I hardly ever finish books, audio books.