Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time.

The controversial hip-hop artist presents the story of his life and career through lyrics, images and a personal narrative that also offers insight into his creative process. Media tie-in.

“Hip-hop’s renaissance man drops a classic. . . . Heartfelt, passionate and slick.” - Kirkus, starred review

“Compelling . . . provocative, evocative . . . Part autobiography, part lavishly illustrated commentary on the author’s own work, Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough worlds Jay-Z navigated in his youth, while at the same time deconstructing his lyrics.” - Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“One of a handful of books that just about any hip hop fan should own.” - The New Yorker

“Elegantly designed, incisively written . . . an impressive leap by a man who has never been known for small steps.” - Los Angeles Times

“A riveting exploration of Jay-Z’s journey . . . So thoroughly engrossing, it reads like a good piece of cultural journalism.” - The Boston Globe

“Shawn Carter’s most honest airing of the experiences he drew on to create the mythic figure of Jay-Z . . . The scenes he recounts along the way are fascinating.” - Entertainment Weekly