"Decoded:" Memoirs of Bed-Stuy Rapper Jay-Z

Candid, introspective and, at times, emotional, the 300-page autobiography "Decoded" is a retreat for Bedford-Stuyvesant native, author and rapper Jay-Z.

Known for his reticence when it comes to his personal life, Jay-Z opens up in "Decoded" and tells all. The book, released on November 16, 2010, is co-authored by acclaimed journalist Dream Hampton. It focuses on, as Jay-Z tells it, narrating the "story of his generation" while expressing "how hip hop created a way to a very specific and powerful experience."

And rather than simply relating the chronology of his life, Jay-Z transposes his past with related themes that weave lyrics from his song catalogue (with footnotes throughout), giving readers a detailed account of the meaning behind his prose.

For hip hop fans who've longed for the story behind the man who declared he "would not lose," Jay-Z's autobiography is a boon: There's musings on the challenges of growing up poor in Marcy Projects, rich anecdotes on the anxiety and paranoia that comes with hustling, his love and appreciation for hip-hop, recollections on the makings of his top-selling albums, as well as a hilarious story of him and the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. on a video shoot in Miami.

While confident in narrating his rise as a multi-million dollar businessman, Jay-Z does admit to some mistakes (for example, the alleged stabbing of producer Lance "Un" Rivera" in a nightclub). But he stands behind his big decisions as well.

Those who have followed Jay-Z's career since his "Hawaiian Sophie" days will find some of the personal stories in the book familiar. And those born and raised in Bed-Stuy will find his accounts warmly relatable.

But, as the title suggests, it's the message behind the lyrics that matters the most here.

For an artist notorious for not writing down his lyrics, the rhymes printed in "Decoded" offer readers a glimpse into Jay-Z's thought process. It becomes an engaging study of the formula behind what has kept so many listeners nodding their heads for so many years.

Songs from "D'Evils" to "Renegade" to "Empire State of Mind" all are decoded here. The unique typography and opulent photographs give strong clues into the author's genuine personality. And readers looking for insight into his marriage to Beyonce should stick to the tabloids, because there's nary a mention of his superstar wife here.

"Decoded" offers up gritty and artful detail into the unlikely journey of a man who transformed himself from a street pharmatician, to hip hop superstar, to business mogul.  "Decoded" is a must-have, not only for Jay-Z fans, but for music-lovers in general.