Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office

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Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office

by Zack O'Malley Greenburg (Goodreads Author)

3.61 of 5 stars 3.61 · rating details · 206 ratings · 43 reviews

"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 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'...more "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 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But despite Jay-Z's success, there are still many Americans whose impressions of him are foggy, outdated, or downright incorrect.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- from classmates at Brooklyn's George Westinghouse High School; to the childhood friend who got him into the drug trade; to the DJ who convinced him to stop dealing and focus on music. This book explains just how Jay-Z propelled himself from the bleak streets of Brooklyn to the heights of the business world.

Zack O'Malley Greenburg draws on his one-on-one interviews with hip-hop luminaries such as DJ Clark Kent, Questlove of The Roots, Damon Dash, Fred "Fab 5 Freddy" Brathwaite, MC Serch; NBA stars Jamal Crawford and Sebastian Telfair; and recording industry executives including Craig Kallman, CEO of Atlantic Records.
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.

(less)

Hardcover, 240 pages

Published March 17th 2011 by Portfolio Hardcover (first published March 16th 2011)

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Oct 05, 2011 Amar Pai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction-pageturners

I found this book quite fascinating. Greenburg writes a monthly column on rappers and their finances for forbes.com. (I love that Forbes has someone covering the "rap/finance" beat.) Among other things, he puts together a yearly list of the wealthiest rappers in the game, by overall net worth. This year, Puffy came in at #1 ($475 mil). But close behind was Jay-Z, who came in #2 with $470 mil. To repeat: $470 mil!!! Empire State of Mind is the story of how that came to be.

The most remarkable thin...more I found this book quite fascinating. Greenburg writes a monthly column on rappers and their finances for forbes.com. (I love that Forbes has someone covering the "rap/finance" beat.) Among other things, he puts together a yearly list of the wealthiest rappers in the game, by overall net worth. This year, Puffy came in at #1 ($475 mil). But close behind was Jay-Z, who came in #2 with $470 mil. To repeat: $470 mil!!! Empire State of Mind is the story of how that came to be.

The most remarkable thing to me is that Jay-Z's self-established mythology as proclaimed in his rhymes is mostly true. Jay-Z didn't consent to be interviewed for the book, so in lieu of direct quotes, Greenburg uses quotes from Jay-Z's songs, which he fact checks and finds to be largely accurate. Jay-Z was in fact a drug dealer, slinging a kilo of coke each week. (The verse in 99 problems where he tells the cop,"well my glove compartment is locked, so is the trunk in the back / and I know my rights, so you gonna need a warrant for that" is based on an actual incident where Jay-Z got pulled over on the Jersey freeway w/ drugs.) Hard to imagine he would end up president of Def Jam, and that this would be a mere prelude to owning a chunk of the Brooklyn Nets and building a complete brand identity that encompasses clothing (Roc-A-Wear) shoes, nightclubs, and champagne.

The champagne thing merits an entire chapter in Empire; Greenburg does some sleuthing and tracks down Jay-Z's secret investment in Armand champagne, which the rapper switched to hyping after declaring Cristal racist. See: Is Jay-Z Secretly Profiting Off Crappy Champagne?

Greenburg's whole analysis of Jay-Z's business genius/strategic vision/negotiating acumen really captivated me. Jigga's dedication to doubling his worth is impressive and all encompassing (even his marriage to Beyonce can be seen as a brand-strengthening alliance), yet his wealth didn't come at the expense of his artistic integrity. How many hot singles has dude put out over the years? Ok there was some crap in there, but if you look at his overall oeuvre, including collabs w/ Kanye-- it's amazingly strong.

I guess it makes sense that Forbes would have a hard on for modern day capitalist rappers-- in the case of Jay-Z, we're talking about someone who named his company "Roc-a-fella," as in John D. Rockefeller. But I really came away from this book feeling sincere admiration at Jay-Z's ascent, which, unlike Rockefeller's, didn't really involve any despicable union head busting or abuses of power. They say behind every fortune lies a great crime, but Jay-Z's crimes (selling coke, stabbing Lance Un Rivera, dropping old friends/mentors when he outgrows them) seem pretty minor to me. And dude can spit.

P Diddy on the other hand... (less)

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Oct 18, 2012 Jordan Bowser rated it 3 of 5 stars

After reading this book, there are a few things that I can use, and some that I won’t. The way Jay-z centers himself on his product is one idea that I can use. For example, if I was going to start a new business, I would make sure my business has many different type of products that would somehow link to each other so that consumers would buy more than one product, increasing my profit. On the other hand, one idea that I would not use of Jay-z’s would be the way he treated the people that helped...more

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Dec 02, 2011 James Loftus rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book was terrible and frankly shame on me for not putting it down as soon as the author noted in the forward to the book that Jay-Z refused to speak to him for the book. What follows that revelation is a poorly written exploration of Jay-Z's life and career using only primary source material from people that have personal axes to grind with him along with the recantation of various interviews that Jay-Z gave to other people and SONG LYRICS... I'm sorry but I cannot take seriously any book t...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Tyler rated it 5 of 5 stars

The book that I have read is Empire state of mind. This is a biography on the famous rapper that we all know as Jay-Z. It tells about how jay-Z went from street corner to corner office. The author of this book is Zack O'Malley Greenburg.Zack O'Malley is actually a young man who went around Brooklyn, New York. He was with one of Jay-Z's past old friends and his purpose was to find how Jay-Z, AKA "Shawn Corey Carter" lived as a young boy and came to be the man he is today. He tells how he was givi...more The book that I have read is Empire state of mind. This is a biography on the famous rapper that we all know as Jay-Z. It tells about how jay-Z went from street corner to corner office. The author of this book is Zack O'Malley Greenburg.Zack O'Malley is actually a young man who went around Brooklyn, New York. He was with one of Jay-Z's past old friends and his purpose was to find how Jay-Z, AKA "Shawn Corey Carter" lived as a young boy and came to be the man he is today. He tells how he was givin the name Jay-Z by the letters J and Z on the subway he would wait on every day to get around town. That is just one fact of many that is listed about Jay-Z's life.

The theme of this biography was just for the author to let us know and understand Jay-Z's life as a young boy and the man he is today. The author told us as the readers that Jay-Z is not just an everyday rapper getting paid day to day for the rapping legend we all know him as, but that there is more detail to his life back then and now. Zack O'Malley told us that Jay-Z is also a successful working man and is all about making the money to be successful and expand his wealth for the things he loves to do. So the theme of this book is to show us his life in between the lines.

This book to me would probably be a narration.I think it can also be a expostion. The reason I think it could be both of these for many reasons. The reason I think the book is a narration is because it tells a story through a series of events and describes what had happened which was Jay-Z's life from when he was born to who he is today. The reason why I also think this book is a expostion is because it talks about and explains Jay-Z's life and explains it to a point that us readers understand the topic,which is Jay-Zs life in great clarity and description. So those are the two things I beleive describe how this book is told.

My opinion of this book is that it is very good. I myself am a pretty big fan of Jay-Z so it was pretty interesting for me to read this book. I truly did not dislike this book what so ever. The thing that I would change about this book is that I would of gave a little bit description of what other people thought of Jay-Z. Not like ordinary people, but like other rappers who worked with Jay-Z, maybe somebody like Kanye West who has done many songs with Jay-Z. This book is not similar to any other book that I have read because I usually dont read and have not really read a biography like this.

So those are all of my thoughts and reasonings of the book "Empire State of Mind".(less)

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Feb 04, 2012 Sheldon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, documentary

I enjoyed this book even though Jay-Z didn't actually contribute to it. I've read some reviews and think a lot of what you get out of this book is based on what you come in expecting. If you are looking for a Jay-Z biography... this will disappoint you. If you are looking for a telling of some of the more key events in his life from a business perspective and a bit of insight into how he deals with people and ventures, you'll find it interesting.

I think the author talks to some people who provid...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Vee rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Hip Hop fans

Shelves: 2013, audio-book, non-fiction

A chapter devoted to his relationship with Beyonce? Really?
Is this a business book on Jay-Z?

Written by a Forbes magazine staffer Zack O'Malley Greenburg, but without Jay-Z's blessing, this book is so-so business book. Many big celebrities tend to attach their names to different products, projects, or talents. Does that necessarily make them great businessmen? Yeah sure, Diana Ross discovered the Jackson Five. Many big actors receive producer or executive producer credit for films their films. At...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Kiana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: grow-through-it

I just got that feeling that the author does not like Jay-Z, and that this book was written to expose him in some way. That said-
I still enjoyed learning about Jay-Z and all of his accomplished. I also like how the author went above and beyond to dig up information about Jay-Z. I have to give him credit for not taking no for an answer.

Now that I've read this book, I will read Decoded by Jay-Z himself. I purchased it when it first came out but didn't have time to read it!
I love Jay-Z and I love...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Toni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, biography, hip-hop, music, business

Jay-Z is everywhere these days with the opening of the new Barclay's Center and the debut of the Brooklyn Nets. The highlights of his life are pretty well known: his drug dealing days, entry into the world of hip-hop, some of his romantic history. Empire State of Mind chronicles his moves as a businessman and the stories behind the mega-deals and branding he has been associated with.

While we are familiar with his clothing brands, his nightclubs, and stint as the head of Def Jam, Greenburg shows...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Andrew rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction_all, nonfiction_biography, own_kindle, 2011, nonfiction_music

(41% through)

If you enjoyed Decoded, then Zack O’Malley Greenberg’s Empire State of Mind is the book to read next: it’s an outsider’s view of the Jay-Z story, with an eye less on Jay’s music than on his business dealings. It’s an extremely accessible, involving, and fast-moving book even if you don’t know or care about Hov.

Jay’s sense of confidence, his self-knowledge, his absolute insistence on excellence and victory, and his willingness to take calculated risks are all inspiring. For instance,...more (41% through)

If you enjoyed Decoded, then Zack O’Malley Greenberg’s Empire State of Mind is the book to read next: it’s an outsider’s view of the Jay-Z story, with an eye less on Jay’s music than on his business dealings. It’s an extremely accessible, involving, and fast-moving book even if you don’t know or care about Hov.

Jay’s sense of confidence, his self-knowledge, his absolute insistence on excellence and victory, and his willingness to take calculated risks are all inspiring. For instance, there’s this great episode (the book is very episodic, which is part of what makes it extremely readable if not profoundly nourishing) where Jay and Biggie are going to lay down their first track together, and everyone’s nervous that it’s going to diminish Jay to play Pippin to Biggie’s Jordan, but (after some great suspense), the status of both rappers is increased by the collaboration.

And since I’m a connoisseur of turns of phrase, I enjoyed the little nuggets of business wisdom, such as how Clark Kent reflects on how Jay’s intellectual curiosity and his eagerness to surround himself with other smart people help him to succeed: “If you’re down with somebody who’s doing smart things, you become smarter instantly, because you watch the smart things. You might figure your own way to do the smart things, but if you see it, you understand it” (loc. 482).

One thing that really came alive to me in reading this book is how much Jay is a character out of the Iliad. Here he is on why he stopped hustling: “It wasn’t specifically one thing [. . . .] it was more so out of fear. You can’t run the streets forever. What are you going to be doing when you’re thirty years old, or thirty-five or forty? I had a fear of being nothing—that pretty much drove me” (loc.375). For Jay, money without fame—without status—wasn’t going to cut it. And like Achilles, Jay doesn’t just want status but actual immortality, the feeling that he’s built himself up into something that’s going to last beyond his own death.

My big quibble is that at times the book reads though it were written on the run: the episodes are super-tasty McNuggets, but Greenburg is reluctant to settle in and really give us the whole McChicken Sandwich. For instance, during a back-and-forth of insults with the rapper Nas, Jay cuts a track that contains the details of an affair he had with Nas’s ex-girlfriend, “details so salacious that when Jay-Z’s own mother heard the recording, she called her son and demanded that he apologize to Nas’s family, which he did” (loc.719). Given that this is the first time in the book when we’ve seen Jay back down from something, and given that this is one of the few times we hear about his relationship with his mother, we might expect some elaboration, but the paragraph stops there.(less)

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Feb 01, 2011 Fernando Baez rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was good because it show Jay-z in a different light than what people normally look at him. He is first a buisness man and second a rapper, the things he deos 99% of the time is for the profit even though people see this as greedy and selfish thats what he has to do to live the way hes comfortable living.Jay-z came up from the ghetto in brooklyn marcy projects and now is making millions living all over the world. His story is a true rags to riches story.

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Feb 02, 2012 Deidre rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was a quick read about how Jay-Z used his natural business acumen to become a successful entrepreneur. It was interesting to see some of the thought processes behind his business decisions, but I didn't feel as if I understand him or his art any better. The author used some named sources to document his understanding of Jay-Z, but the book suffered from not having anyone close to his business dealings or Jay confirm the author's thoughts.

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Apr 21, 2013 Danilo Vargas rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about Jay Z and his business exploits but the information about his formative years and specifics about his business acumen are sketchy at best. The reader is left wanting to know more. Even so I recommend this book for every entrepreneur and person committed to personal and business excellence.

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Sep 16, 2011 Lea Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting window into Jay-z's world. not much from jay-z himself. This book really gives you a feel for how he interacts with business associates and how they feel about certain decisions he made. There is a lot about his background too. He's actually been around longer than I thought.

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Jan 25, 2013 Regit rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very thorough account of Jay Z's rise to the top. It gives the impression that anything is possible, but you must put yourself in the right position for opportunities to begin presenting themselves before you. Once they present you must pursue them with passion and confidence. It was inspiring and motivational to say the least. The author tends to be a bit opinionated in some instances. Overall, good book though.

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Feb 05, 2012 Art rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jay-Z's a hero for a reason. I knew about his Cristal boycott but not the shrewd financial motives and underhanded dealings behind it. I knew he was an entrepreneur, but I didn't know he was this sharp, this relentless - and I didn't realise he freestyles most of his recordings! Amazing.

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Jan 30, 2012 Rushay Booysen rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book primarily focused on Jay-Z rise and how he obtained his wealth.From the book Jigga man surely looks like a shrewd business man that wont blink to gain out of you.Zack interviewed various artist and business partners of the Jigga man.

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May 12, 2013 Azmir Ismail rated it 5 of 5 stars

A good book on what makes Jay Z tick. It shows how he transforms his street skills to his business skills. Though his action on past mentors might leave you cold, there are reasons for it. Recommended especially for entrepeneurs.

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May 13, 2013 Olumide Obasemo added it

Absolutely brilliant insight into this genius personality... Just after I finished it, TIME magazine confirmed the facts by naming him as one of World's 100 Most influential people

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Jan 15, 2012 Titilayo Ogunmakinwa rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very good read. The author does a great job giving the reader a peep into the life and lifestyle of one of my favorite rappers. I also found the book motivating.

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Nov 23, 2011 Ghira rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought this was an autobiography, so I was a little surprised with what I read. It was well written, but I'm really not a huge fan of biographies.

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Jul 31, 2011 Greg Curtin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Still not to sure what to think about this book...the /uotes" from JayZ are all lyrics to his songs...$mmmm. I do like the explanation and reasons for alot of the choices JayZ has made in his career.

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Jan 11, 2013 Deborah rated it 3 of 5 stars

An interesting book but I felt the lack of access to Jay-Z by the author. some interesting points were made though so a worthwhile read

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Jun 30, 2011 Zack Greenburg rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Kinda biased, as I wrote the darned thing! Please feel free to send me feedback if you've read it...

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Apr 29, 2012 Laurens Curteis rated it 5 of 5 stars

interesting read for those interested in jay z's business ventures aswell as skills as an artist.

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Jul 31, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, it was well written and gave so good insights into how Jay-Z thinks.

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Jan 12, 2012 Christy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Unauthorized biography. Not impressive. Read Decoded instead, much better.

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Dec 21, 2011 Corey Holmes rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book is for those who think S dot is a rapper.....circa 1996

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Sep 15, 2011 Blanca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Great companion to Jay-Z's book, Decoded. People have sometimes unfairly pointed out that the book doesn't delve into a criticism of the musical career of his subject, but it is a breakthrough because it provides a business perspective to hip hop culture, which hasn't been documented before.

Entertainment journalism previously focused on being a straight feature, but O'Malley Greenburg crosses over elements of business journalism with the appeal of feature writing for an interesting study of a co...more

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Sep 20, 2011 Tara added it · review of another edition

Jay-Z -- the man.. the myth... the legend...

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Jan 24, 2013 Carlos Dottedline rated it 5 of 5 stars

Couldn't put it down

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About Zack O'Malley Greenburg

Zack is a staff writer at Forbes and author of the new Jay-Z biography, Empire State of Mind. He's been writing professionally since the age of 14, when he landed a gig reviewing video games for Boys’ Life magazine. A former child actor, Zack played the title role in Lorenzo's Oil alongside Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon. He retired early to pursue his dream of winning a middle school intramural ba...more

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