Growth.
On May 14th, Jay-Z made a huge announcement that
he is headlining and curating a two-day concert Labor Day weekend in
Philadelphia. Essentially, Jay-Z is shutting down one of the busiest sections of one of the most
populous cities in America. These
types of announcements were typically reserved for guys named Bono and
Springsteen but somehow a former drug dealer from the Marcy projects is making
it happen. Despite the magnitude
of this announcement and what it means for Hip-Hop culture, the Internet was
also buzzing about another rapper in Philly.
The juxtaposition between Jay-Z and Freeway was most evident
when it was time to take pictures. Freeway, who was standing to Jay-Z’s left (note: I’m pretty
sure Freeway was the only person who expected Freeway to be on the stage, but
that’s a question for Lil’ Mama to answer), thought he would be in the photo
when Jay-Z gave him the “can you step to the side” pat on his back. So “Freezer” stepped over to the side,
arms crossed like a petulant child as Jay-Z and his partners took photos. This didn’t have to go down this way
but Freeway left Jay no choice:
a) There was Jay, dressed in black pants, a fitted white
v-neck t-shirt with a black blazer.
b) There was Freeway, dressed in black sweatpants, a baby
blue t-shirt with “Freestyle” emblazoned on the front and a black fitted hat.
One was dressed for a press conference with the Mayor and
representatives from major corporations, and one was not. (I will give you time to figure out
which one.) The fact that Freeway
felt as if he belonged on that stage is the main reason why even after all
these years, Jay-Z is still the exception to the rule.
Let’s be clear, there are few people who have had the
benefit to be in Jay-Z’s inner circle and learn first hand how to make the
transition from the streets to the corner office. Freeway debuted on Jay-Z’s “Dynasty” album twelve years
ago. Therefore, Freeway had twelve
years to watch Jay go from throwback jerseys to “tapered” suits. He’s had twelve years to learn how to
become an owner and associate with the people that can help grow business
ventures. Yet at the age of 35 and
after twelve years of having access to one of the top business minds in
America, Freeway still showed up looking like he was headed to see his boys in
South Philly.
For the better part of the last decade, Jay-Z has taken a
lot of heat from the streets, disgruntled rappers and former friends for
essentially “leaving them behind”.
But if you’re given the keys to the car, GPS directions, a full tank of
gas and you still can’t find your way, what else is that man supposed to
do? Everyone likes to talk about
“keeping it real” but there’s a difference between keeping it real and keeping
it the same. Growth and
accomplishment is just as “real” as stagnation and mediocrity – one just pays
better. Every man has choices and
you don’t have to become a different person to achieve great heights, just start
with Jay-Z’s advice and you’ll be fine.
“Change clothes, and go.”
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