No matter the debate, Sean “Jay-Z” Carter will go down as one of the most influential rappers of all time.

While Carter is mainly known today for his business moves, his long-standing music catalog put him on the map. From topics about his upbringing to the cultural nuances of his community, Jay-Z is no stranger to communicating the times and providing classic bops along the way.

At this stage in his career, his business acumen and his music have consistently collided. The billionaire gives listeners consistent insight into how he thinks financially and how getting to the bag is more than just a notion.

One of the shining examples of this concept is on his last solo project, “4:44.” While some saw it as a response to Beyonce’s “Lemonade,” others tapped into the financial gems he dropped throughout the album.

AfroTech previously reported that fellow rapper Bow Wow noted the 2017 album as a piece of financial wisdom, providing him with an improved financial mindset.

But the inspiration does not stop there. According to HipHopDX, a book is dedicated to the financially savvy lyrics from “4:44.”

Ash Exantus wrote that book, titled “The Wake Up Call: Financial Inspiration Learned from 4:44 + A Step by Step Guide on How to Implement Each Financial Principle.”

“My inspiration for the book was that JAY was giving so much knowledge about how you can become financially free … as an individual as well as how we (as a culture) can break the cycle of poverty in our community,” Cash said to HipHopDX. “Because some of the concepts may be new to some of us, I wanted to expound more on the blueprint that JAY gave us (pun intended). In essence, JAY gave us the ‘what.’ My goal with the book was to give the ‘how.'”

Let’s look at some of the financial gems scattered throughout Jay-Z’s “4:44” bars.

Real Estate Is The Cheat Code

Many communities are experiencing changes. As trends change, historically divested communities are now seeing resources pour in, changing the value and landscape of neighborhoods. The key to this – invest early at a low rate. Carter explains how he missed out on an opportunity to invest early.

“The Story of O.J.” – “I coulda bought a place in DUMBO before it was DUMBO for like 2 million. That same building today is worth 25 million. Guess how I’m feelin’? Dumbo.” 

There Is Power In Collaboration

The concept of networking has evolved over the years. However, tapping into the right relationship can be game-changing, especially when that relationship includes your community.

“Family Feud” – “What’s better than one billionaire, two? ‘Specially if they’re from the same hue as you.”

 

Creditworthiness Means Access

Large purchases are typically predicated more on a person’s financial history and less on a person’s amount in the bank. While cash on hand can leverage a person’s purchasing power, a well-established credit score typically makes that possible.

“The Story of O.J.” – “You wanna know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club? Credit.”  

Do It For Your Kids And Their Kids

There isn’t one way to build generational wealth. From savvy investment strategies to appreciating assets, it’s essential to make money moves with family in mind to ensure their financial future is secure.

“Legacy” – “Generational wealth, that’s the key. My parents ain’t have sh-t, so that shift started with me. My mom took her money, she bought me bonds. That was the sweetest thing of all time, uh.” 

Confidence Is Key

Not many stories that end with success start with someone doubting who they are. Taking up space and boldly doing what is destined helps the individual and inspires others to do the same.

“Bam” – “My advice is just don’t be too nice to n-ggas. Just set the price so niggas’ll live your life, my n-gga.”