Jay-Z discusses “Niggas in Paris” and Fatherhood

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

How far Jay-Z has come, over the past fifteen years, is no secret to those who have followed him. During the late 1980s, Jay-Z first appeared on “Hawaiian Sophie,” but his career did not turn out as planned, so he returned to the streets. Through the streets, Jay-Z became wealthy during the late 1980s and decided to use his funds to properly launch his career. With the help of Damon Dash, Roc-A-Fella Records was born and the rest is history.

Through his success at Roc-A-Fella Records, Jay-Z was appointed the President of Def Jam and stepped down in order to launch Roc Nation. For well over ten years, Jay-Z has been worth more than $100 million and he is now worth $500 million. While Jay-Z is now more focused on his businesses than his rhymes, he did make a brief return to the rap game with Watch the Throne. His album with Kanye West has done very well.

Currently, their “Niggas in Paris” song is gaining popularity. Recently, Jay-Z explained the meaning of the song during his interview with GQ. Jay-Z said the song is not bragging about his success, the song is actually his surprised response to his run lasting as long as it has. During the interview, Jay-Z mentions the lyric “you escape what I escaped, you’d be in Paris getting fucked up too.” The line refers to Jay-Z’s criminal past, which Jay-Z has often spoke of in his songs. Knowing many people who did not escape their criminal pasts, Jay-Z said he is glad he did.

Following years of rumors, Beyonce revealed her pregnancy during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Jay-Z has often rapped about fatherhood, his own, and his relationship with his father. When he was young, his father left his family and Jay-Z held animosity against him. However, after he became famous, Jay-Z patched things up with his father, but he died soon after. Jay-Z also spoke on this and said he hopes to have a close relationship with his own daughter.