Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter rose from Marcy Projects to become one of hip-hop's most influential figures and successful entrepreneurs. Beyond music, he founded Roc Nation, acquired the Brooklyn Nets stake, and built a multi-billion dollar brand. His recommended reads span philosophy, narrative, and business innovation.
7 Books Recommended by Jay Z
Ranked by popularity across all reading lists on this site
Outliers
11 people recommendedrecommended 2xAbout the principles of timing and repetitionโabout preparing yourself for luck, really.
About the principles of timing and repetitionโabout preparing yourself for luck, really.
Also recommended by: Bill Gates, Carlos Slim, Charlie Munger, Patrick Bet David, Dj Vlad, Dwayne Johnson, James Altucher, Joe Rogan, Shaun White, Will Smith
Between the World and Me
10 people recommendedrecommended 2xAmerica. Please. read.
America. Please. read.
Also recommended by: Barack Obama, Jack Dorsey, Bob Iger, Cal Fussman, Deray Mckesson, Jon Stewart, Linda Sarsour, Mark Manson, Sunny Hostin
The Odyssey
6 people recommendedrecommended 2xThis epic poem was kind of difficult for me to get through, but it has a beautiful rhythm.
This epic poem was kind of difficult for me to get through, but it has a beautiful rhythm.
Also recommended by: Caterina Fake, Michael Pollan, Stewart Brand, Tim Oreilly, Walter Isaacson
Purple Cow
5 people recommendedrecommended 2xThis is straight marketing advice: Your product has to be a purple cowโit has to be distinct to have any success.
This is straight marketing advice: Your product has to be a purple cowโit has to be distinct to have any success.
Also recommended by: Cindy Eckert, Jodie Cook, Joe Gebbia, Noah Kagan
The Seat of the Soul
3 people recommendedrecommended 2xThere are two books that I absolutely live my life by. This is one of them.
There are two books that I absolutely live my life by. This is one of them.
Also recommended by: Noah Centineo, Preston Pysh
The Celestine Prophecy
2 people recommendedrecommended 2xThis is the other book I live by.
This is the other book I live by.
Also recommended by: Noah Kagan
Nigger
recommended 2xHis sense of humor and the hardships he went through stayed with me.
His sense of humor and the hardships he went through stayed with me.
