Empire State of Mind

How Jay-Z Went from Street Corner to Corner Office

By: Zack O'Malley Greenburg

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

"I'm not a businessman. I'm a business, man."
—Jay-Z

Some people think Jay-Z is just another rapper. Others see him as just another celebrity/mega-star. The reality is, no matter what you think Jay-Z is, he is first and foremost a business. And as much as Martha Stewart or Oprah, he has turned himself into a lifestyle. You can wake up to the local radio station playing Jay-Z's latest hit, spritz yourself with his 9IX cologne, slip on a pair of his Rocawear jeans, lace up your Reebok S. Carter sneakers, catch a Nets basketball game in the afternoon, and grab dinner at The Spotted Pig before heading to an evening performance of the Jay-Z-backed Broadway musical Fela! and a nightcap at his 40/40 Club. He'll profit at every turn of your day.

But despite Jay-Z's success, there are still many Americans whose impressions of him are foggy, outdated, or downright incorrect. Surprisingly to many, he honed his business philosophy not at a fancy B school but on the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and beyond as a drug dealer in the 1980s.

Empire State of Mind tells the story behind Jay-Z's rise to the top as told by the people who lived it with him. This audiobook explains just how Jay-Z propelled himself from the bleak streets of Brooklyn to the heights of the business world. He also includes new information on Jay-Z's various business dealings, such as:

• The feature movie about Jay-Z and his first basketball team that was filmed by Fab 5 Freddy in 2003 but never released
• The Jay-Z branded Jeep that was scrapped just before going into production
• The real story behind his association with Armand de Brignac champagne
• The financial ramifications of his marriage to Beyonce

Jay-Z's tale is compelling, not just because of his celebrity, but because it embodies the rags-to-riches American dream and is a model for any entrepreneur looking to build a commercial empire.

©2011 Zack O'Malley Greenburg (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

"[A] fascinating, well-done biography of one of the most extraordinary entrepreneurs of our era." (Steve Forbes)

Amazing

This is a great book, it has inspired me to keep going on my music.

The book is good, but the guy who did the audiobook is clearly out of his element

I liked the book okay, some of the business stuff seemed pretty useless and didn't interest me. The audio book version has a ton of mispronunciations of A list celebrities names and the narrator doesn't seem to have any knowledge of hip-hop culture.

I've always wanted to know how Jay Z has accomplished so much

This book gives great insight and perspective through real life associate about the business icon. Jay-Z's ability to elevate his success with each step is impeccable trait. One that is not easily imitated. I look forward to utilizing what I've learned in this book do my best Jay Z personation in the world of real estate and business. Thank you for this well-written book my only critique is that you learn how to pronounce some of the artist name better.

Love this book

This is basically a way to show you that anything is possible, with hard work and dedication. So reach for sky then the moon and the stars. Just keep reaching

Really good information!!

The book was great. The reader should of gotten a few Ebonics enunciation classes because several names were read incorrectly.

Dope!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Empire State of Mind to be better than the print version?

I would most def say yes. Only the way the narrator pulled me in, and kept my attention.

What did you like best about this story?

I've always considered my self a "Hip Hop Head" and most def a big Jigga fan. There was a lot of business things I was unaware of. Also, I loved the different pov's from respectable Dj's and former business acquaintances.

Which character – as performed by Sean Pratt – was your favorite?

Dj Clark Kent

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was empowering.

Any additional comments?

Must read for anyone, everyone, all walks of life, no matter skin color. it will challenge you to do more and want more! #100

Good Read

Interesting subject matter. Jay Z is a great business man. I am impressed by his business saavy.

loved it. Going to listen to it again

loved it. Very inspiring and informative. Going to listen to it again and take notes...

Too much business talk?

I read some negative reviews that said this book was too much business talk. When I finished it my friend said, "what did you think?". I said, "Well it was mostly straight business deals and numbers... So I loved it.". If you're looking for a look into Jay Z's song writing process, this is not the book. If you want to have someone who's done their research explain Jay Z's empire building process, you'll probably like it.

It was ok

The book was written from a "outsider" perspective. Jay Z did not approve him writing this book. If you really want to understand the mind of Jay Z and how he went from Street corner to board room, then I was suggest that you read Decoded which is written from Jay Z's soul perspective. Personally I don't think that a Jewish boy could ever really understand the plight of a Brooklyn boys' hustle. While I appreciate what he has to add and offer, i'd rather hear it from the horses mouth.