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Jay-Z to Oprah: Drug Dealing Was 'Natural'

Says his generation 'disarmed' the N-word

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 7:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – Becoming a teen drug dealer was “natural” for Jay-Z, and it didn’t scare him a bit, given his environment in the projects, he tells Oprah in her O Magazine. “At some point, you become addicted to the feeling. The uncertainty and adrenaline and danger of that lifestyle,” the rapper says. He was shot at once, but made it through: “When you're a kid, with little bony arms—no wonder nobody could aim.”

As for his lyrics, Oprah asks: Is using the N-word necessary? “My generation hasn't had the same experience with that word that generations of people before us had. We weren't so close to the pain. So in our way, we disarmed the word.” How did he keep his wedding with Beyonce so secret? “Late planning!” The couple won’t discuss each other—but, Jay-Z reveals, they have a weekly date at a candlelit pizza place in Brooklyn.

Rapper Jay-Z watches the Cleveland Cavaliers play the New Jersey Nets in an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 22, 2009 in East Rutherford, NJ.
Rapper Jay-Z watches the Cleveland Cavaliers play the New Jersey Nets in an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 22, 2009 in East Rutherford, NJ.   (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
In this Dec. 5, 2008 file photo, Oprah Winfrey arrives at The Hollywood Reporter's annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast in Beverly Hills, Calif.
In this Dec. 5, 2008 file photo, Oprah Winfrey arrives at The Hollywood Reporter's annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast in Beverly Hills, Calif.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)
Rapper Jay-Z performs at a concert celebrating the launch of the video game DJ Hero in Los Angeles on Monday, June 1, 2009.
Rapper Jay-Z performs at a concert celebrating the launch of the video game "DJ Hero" in Los Angeles on Monday, June 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Rapper Jay-Z performs at a concert celebrating the launch of the video game DJ Hero in Los Angeles on Monday, June 1, 2009.
Rapper Jay-Z performs at a concert celebrating the launch of the video game "DJ Hero" in Los Angeles on Monday, June 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
KoalaJohnson
Sep 3, 2009 4:55 AM CDT
He's wearing a Basqiat t-shirt in the pic. That's cool.
Pragmaticrealism
Sep 3, 2009 4:36 AM CDT
^IDIOT^
Ucantusethatname
Sep 3, 2009 4:15 AM CDT
Why do sane persons pay to see or listen to scums like Jay-Z? Children and adolescents need better role models that druggies and boozers.
 

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