What Jay Z Is Really Like In The Studio | Deep Dive

Timecodes - 0:00 - Jay Z success
0:30 - Jay Z’s writing process
1:00 - Why Jay Z doesn’t write down his raps
1:45 - Ja Rule talks about watching Jay Z record “Can I Live”
3:00 - Kanye jokes about Jay Z not writing down rhymes
4:00 - Cam’ron was shocked watching Jay Z record
4:00 - Did Jay Z inspire Jay Z not to write his rhymes?
5:00 - Travis Scott talks about watching Jay Z record
5:40 - Pharrell talks about Jay Z
6:30 - Jay Z recording 99 Problems with Rick Rubin
7:00 - Jay Z on layers in his music
8:00 - Jay Z writing for Snoop Dogg and Dre on STILL DRE
9:00 - Snoop Dogg talks about Jay Z writing Still DRE
12:00 - Just Blaze talks about working with Jay Z
13:00 - The making of Jay Z Public Service Announcement
14:00 - Timbaland and Jay Z working on The Black Album
15:00 - Kanye West and Jay Z in the studio together
21:00 - Eminem talks about Jay Z
21:30 - Jay Z talks about Lil Wayne
23:30 - Drake talks about Jay Z beating him on Light Up
24:00 - Jay Z's legacy
Jay Z needs no introduction. But some terms that come to mind are GOAT, best rapper alive, billionaire and mogul. Plus he is one of the most successful businessmen of all time… Sorry, sorry he’s not a business man… He's a busines, man. In this video, we’re not here to talk about the business moves, the money or the family, this video is strictly about the music. In this deep dive we’re going to take a look at what Jay Z is like in the studio, straight from the mouths of Rick Rubin, Timbaland, Kanye West and more.
Script Written, Voice Over and Produced By: Jeremy Hecht
/ jeremy_hecht
(@jeremyhecht )
Video Edited By:
Kevin Bernardez
www.selcouthszn.com/
/ kbprohd
Editing Assistance:
Mahib Balde
/ hibbalde
Thumbnail By: JR Martinez
/ zxmbiac
www.zxmbiacdesigns.com
Executive Producer: Sharath Cherian
For over 21 years, HipHopDX has been at the forefront of Hip Hop culture, reaching over 3.2 million readers and 5 million followers per month. As one of the longest-standing Hip Hop digital publications, DX not only stays current on Hip Hop culture, but continues to influence it, encourage it, and simultaneously reflect on its past. Our insightful, honest editorials, unbiased reviews, premier audio and video sections, and original video content, draws one of the most loyal followings online. As a part of Warner Music Group, HipHopDX is expanding internationally and continues to build upon the reputation it has garnered from decades of work.
#JayZ #Hov #HipHopDX

[@hiphopdx]

What’s the one Jay Z studio session you would have loved to have been in the room for? Favorite jay z song of all time? And favorite album? Thanks for watching

[@j2thelew432]

"Lucky Me" favorite song of all time. I would've loved to be in the studio for "What More Can I Say."

[@leonmorris8799]

😈🦉🤝🏾🤫👁

[@leonmorris8799]

HI IM A SIC DRUMMER AND LYRICIST IN THE UK🇬🇧🇬🇧😈🦉🤴🏾👣🎤🥁🥁🥁🥁🎬📽📺🇬🇧🇬🇧❤🙏🏿✊🏾🎼💯💯💯💯😁🤝🏾🤫👁

[@MiamiBlossom]

Favorite Jay Z song, It's between Wishing on a star (Trackmasters remix) and La La La (Excuse me miss remix). I would have loved to have been in the studio when he was recording "Takeover", and the first Blueprint album from 2001 is my favorite Jay Z album. Can let that album play from start to finish, even the two hidden tracks!

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMAICA in the Building !!!!!!

[@calvinndadana16]

The way he plays with words..his flow..his rhythm and poetry is purely master class.. he's my greatest of all time..

[@alvarezgamers]

Ether

[@ggorgeous8729]

@@alvarezgamers ...Afta The beef Jay-Z's a Billionaire comercially n critically acclamed he dont giva fuck about bitter Nas fans opinions.

[@RaghuRoxx]

@@ggorgeous8729 not rich cuz of music

[@jayscarz1157]

​@RaghuRoxx you sound foolish...music is the reason we know him so yes he is rich off music.....damn hate makes ppl retarded

[@gonks7071]

its actually absurd how well the jay z lincoln park album aged. Perfect fusion of two formative artists for me

[@daveriggs56]

Some of the best transitions between 2 genres that’s ever been done. Probably my favorite collaboration of all time.

[@ArtisanWindchimes]

“Bullets breeze(Brees) by you(Bayou), like Louisiana mane” 🐐

[@dre6847]

Ooooooi ain’t never catch that!!!

[@ChadFreeman757]

Dat’s tuff, I ain’t catch dat.

[@Blue_Philosophy]

😮

[@freddyp319]

I beg your pardon lol

[@jjbing3]

It was just about the breeze in the bayou. 😂

[@SirMo]

I never fully realized how good Jay-Z was, until his music aged a bit. To me that's really a testament of what a great artist he is. Because his songs are timeless. One of the GOATs for sure.

[@409Henry]

Jesus loves you and died for you repent God Bless not forcing

[@718World]

Jay's 2nd verse on Renegade is my favorite Jay-Z verse of all-time

[@jeremyhecht]

This video was so much fun to make. I had to pull myself away from the computer because there was so much footage and info on Hov. But overall there’s no denying that he is one of the greatest artists of all time and a lyrical genius. 🐐 thank you guys for watching

[@Sumkilla]

I appreciate the thorough treatment of such a revered creative process. Great work!

[@BoydCasinos]

I wrote he remembered

[@BoydCasinos]

I'm sounds

[@t.1344]

I'm such a fan of video essays and this one is so intriguing for me. Thank you for your hard work

[@rayzrealm]

*You have to finish your breakfast. Now you have to break down the remaining members of The Commission.*

[@saz19s8]

PSA is still my favourite Jay Z song to this day. That piano riff still slaps

[@hiphopdx]

Crazy

[@Roy_MO]

Facts

[@leeanthonys81]

Facts! 💯

[@acharich]

📝💣🎹

[@MrHipHopIsLife]

If my son ever makes it to the MLB, ima have him have that as his walk up song

[@ap6160]

Jay-Z is GOAT. He's a mix of Ra, Biggie, Nas and Kane. Haters, and posers don't give him credit because it's more "serious" or profound to cite Nas, Rakim, etc as GOAT. But if you look at his lyricism, wordplay, wit, double - triple entendres, depth, catchiness, all rolled in one, HE IS GOAT.

[@wade2033]

He’s the greatest rapper of all time - in my opinion. Much love from South Africa.

[@_andresss07]

LMFAO

[@richblackkid2523]

@@_andresss07 he is the goat

[@pintometals461]

😂😂

[@richblackkid2523]

@@pintometals461 what are you laughing Jay-Z is the goat in rap

[@pansexualdickhaver6878]

@@richblackkid2523 Jay and Wayne imo

[@tremainsaunders687]

I can’t even lie. I was completely blown away to watch this man record his verse on a record called “The Bounce“ back in the fall of 2003. Never seen anything like it. One take!! He just came in, kind of mumbled to himself over the track for about seven minutes… The engineer asked him if he was ready. He said “am I ready?“ With a smirk went in there and did his entire deal in one take. It was mind blowing!

[@SundaywithSamuel]

One of my favorite tracks. The bounce is classic

[@oleboy5521]

"And you can try to change but that's just the top layer, man you was who you was 'fore you got here. Only God can judge me, then I'm gone-either love me or leave me alone." - H.O.V

[@maisumcanalfitness9295]

I feel like there's a misconception between not writing and freestyling. Jay himself, as far as i know, never said he freestyles. You can put down the verse in one take without writing, but you could've been working that verse on your mind for hours. There's footage of the 99 recording session where you see Jay going back and forward til he's satisfied with the verse. That's why Jay is the Goat. Its not like he doesnt write it down cause its cool. He worked his way up til he made it cool

[@maisumcanalfitness9295]

On a side note, no disrespect to freestyle rappers. I think its amazing what they can do. To me its just a different approach to the art form. Just as improv, stand up and comedic acting are different approaches to the comedy art form

[@radarinfinite1032]

@@maisumcanalfitness9295 it's technically a freestyle. He's spontaneously coming up with it and holding on to it. He would edit it at times but it is a form of freestyle. Structured but with no structure in a way.

[@maisumcanalfitness9295]

@@radarinfinite1032 never thought of it that way. In my mind freestyle is improvising off the top of your head. And it feels like people think Jay-Z "improvised" he's career. But its interesting to see a different concept to freestyle. Structured but no structure made sense to me. Appreciate it

[@MillieMoBuckz]

EXACTLY…. I’ve been “writing in my head” for the last 3-4 years… and I’ve been rapping for for 20 … it’s an exercise, its NOT easy… but very satisfying!… HOWEVER, I’m not a good “off the top” freestyler at all… it’ll take me a good 20-30 minutes to come up with a verse (6 is NUTS) and I’m NICE Nice!

[@WePaintHouses101]

Your right sir

[@Cleva_Thoughts]

Great architect of music. A legend, inspiration and overall staple in hip hop. Here’s your flowers Jay-Z 💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@Kmakmizzle]

I don't have favorite Jay-Z albums but he's got a few SONGS...... I'll SHATTER his lack of scientific DATA!.....n put him where he BELONGS........

[@endurancediwa]

Jay the greatest rapper of all time. I find my self feeling like him most times ma life.... I've loved jay since 96 when I was 15

[@rolandoconley1198]

That will be Nas

[@lobo_solo214]

The breakdowns used to be my favorite part of DX but these deep dives are hitting home everytime, please keep em coming! Any song off in my life time vol. 2 would've been crazy. His booked DECODED is well worth the read.

[@hiphopdx]

Thanks for watching. More to come! 🎯

[@MiamiBlossom]

@@hiphopdx Can you do P Diddy in the studio?

[@123theprodigy5]

@@hiphopdx Great video, it is amazing how he is able to put himself in someone else’s shoes to write their songs. that’s probably the only time that will ever happen in hip-hop. because people hate it when rappers have a ghost rider.

[@AlusiPablo]

@@123theprodigy5 I’m able to do that too, I’m a ghostwriter. I think many people have stories but not everyone is a writer so maybe it isn’t something to frown upon

[@markesgrant]

Verse 2 on No Hook will always be my favorite Jay verse. Shit hit home.

[@kaiwayytv5803]

4:44 still a classic.

[@joshingram071]

The 9 songs he did in 2 days was the weekend he spend w Just Blaze & Young Guru. All the Just Blaze produced records on Blueprint was done that weekend.

[@mikeb9921]

2 words- Hovi Baby… from Blueprint 2… fav HOV and Just Blaze collab

[@traderswiss]

Reasonable Doubt is evidence that JAY Z is unique

[@olumideakingbade982]

You absolutely killed this mini doc, wallahi. Such, quality, class, and pizzazz. Just when you thought you knew all there is to know about a much documented personality, we discover yet more gems here. Thanks for this. Looking forward to more !

[@manuelpastrana1526]

nah fam. that best of both worlds album still fire

[@bigdogmitch2]

Definitely!!!

[@GoodDealington]

The beat on Hola Hovito is one of the best I’ve ever heard.

[@reef9084]

There’s a difference between how Jay doesn’t write and how the new rappers doesn’t write. Jay thinks of the whole verse and structure it in his head then spits it in the booth. The new rappers thinks of a few lines spits it then think of the next bars and punch in and spits it

[@tye1939]

Exactly!

[@jjbing3]

Yep. It sounds like it too. 😑

[@Tlhakxza]

One of Hip Hop’s greatest lines comes from JAY when he said “Chains is cool to cop but more important is lawyer fees” that line is right up there with one of the greatest books ever written,AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE OF THE WEALTH OF NATIONS by ADAM SMITH. If you’ve read that book and listened to that line,you’ll find similarities. I respect JAY Z so much just for that line.

[@haddingtoniangcp2464]

Oh man! Thanak for this. Whole time I thought he said "most important is loyalty." Never Change.

[@VarietySportsTV]

My favorite verse is on blueprint 2 “When the grass is cut, the snakes will show

[@dre6847]

Gotta thank the lil homie Naz for that tho

[@zigman3105]

Shut up

[@lehlohonolotati8989]

Some of my favorite lines are "Whenever there's a drought/ get your umbrellas out, because, that's when I brainstorm" & "You can try to change but that's just the top layer/ Man you are who you was when you got here" from Public Service announcement on The Black Album.

[@757millionaire]

Nasty

[@ninjachannel007]

My favorite Jay song of all time is Dead Presidents II. That SKI beat and his vocals and lyrics was a marriage. My favorite song of his in terms of getting me hype is "You Don't Know". Another Just Blaze banger, he goes in with the "I sell ice in the winter/ I sell fire in hell/ I am a hustler baby, I sell water to a whale/ I was born to get cake/ Move on, switch states/ Cop the coupe with the roof gone, and switch plates..." Absolutely no one was rapping like that when he said it, and he forced everybody to make better albums.

[@negrodamus67]

And people have the audacity to even consider some of these new generation rappers to the likes of Jay and other actually talented rappers

[@younghova7657]

Oh you one of them

[@donwarren8865]

I would have love to be in the studio session with Jay and Pharrell.

[@KCGainz]

Especially for allure

[@cha.numba1]

Who wouldn't

[@robdmusic915]

We need that HOUR long version🙏🏼

[@hiphopdx]

hahaha we knew you would want one! Who should we cover next?

[@robdmusic915]

@@hiphopdx Cole, Scarface

[@georgethompsonjr6082]

@@hiphopdx Nas, Rakim, Gibbs, Future

[@acharich]

@@hiphopdx U should do Jackie Hill-Perry, No Malice, Lecrae, Andy Mineo, NF, Melvillous, Guvna B, Stormzy, StillShadey.. All absolute fire..💥🔥💎🔥💥

[@ryathesage]

Wow Jay-Z is awesome I knew since I heard him on Numb Encore that this man was different in some way man 🔥🙌🏾💯

[@pierreboyd1991]

This was a great breakdown good job!!!

[@MrIgnaxius]

This is proof why Hov is one of the greatest, if not the greatest of all time. 🔥

[@rolandoconley1198]

Hes good lyrically ,but not great.

[@tjmirez7556]

@@rolandoconley1198he is the greatest lyricist FACTS

[@mindbully]

Somebody finally collected all of them. Thank you for this.

[@elgineltrainfoster]

Definitely was great to watch !!

[@profmajr]

My favorite Jay album is 4:44 or Black Album

[@WLowry]

My favorite Jay-Z albums are Reasonable Doubt, In My Life Time, Blueprint, Black Album & American Gangster

[@unc1589]

It’s inspiring to know that a “The Best” still walks. I believe, I’ve always believed, that it’s necessary to have someone to aim your skills at and try to surpass them. This whole “well I just do me!” approach is permissible but …. Great Video! ! !

[@ede.5487]

This was really well put together 💯

[@AAG007]

Love the holy grail beat and the way jay approached it

[@sentientsponge8570]

He’s always felt like a great musician in addition to being a great rapper

[@leemc3425]

Love this my guy, good looking out‼️ keep on pushin

[@IAmMrQ]

Definitely great editing on this. Nice job all around. 👍

[@IFOSK8MONEY]

FINALLY A SOLID STORY FOR DX 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾LIKE TO SEE MORE OF THIS STYLE UPLOADS ON OUR KULTURE

[@757millionaire]

🎤Jay laying tracks in the booth w/o a pen is like Mayweather seeing punches coming before they come. Its a gift 🥊

[@TopBossOfficial]

I’m about to roll ⬆️ and I needed something to watch at 4am, this boutta be perfect 😭💨

[@zavionhibbert3482]

This was great work salute to you

[@DJG245]

Jay z "Open Letter" , " Venus Vs Mars" , "What's Free". Still 🔥🔥

[@Onslaught516]

crazy talent

[@ladygemini3394]

Jay Z has always been an excellent performer that why he is so successful.

[@acharich]

Part of it, alongside his mindset & work-rate.. 💎

[@torianoevans]

Great Video!! Thanks

[@bifftanto]

Jay-Z is very talented and his mind works differently. Many artest and producers have no idea they were among musical greatness.

[@Wolfman7870]

I truly appreciate the genuine love for the craft you convey in your videos.

[@hiphopdx]

Thank you for watching! We love this shit

[@sashamitchell661]

I enjoyed this video!! Keep ‘em Coming!!!

[@wloury]

This is a work of art about the best to ever do it. Thank you again.

[@se7enisrael]

Loved this video so much and thank you for highlighting that while many claim to freestyle songs, none have the substance that Hov brings to the music

[@adrianjacox3574]

"Allow me to introduce myself my name is hov" just blaze best beat to date

[@zeeman3891]

This is well put together

[@deniseeugene1852]

Really great interview …

[@ikabako2454]

Jay Z The G.O.A.T 🐐

[@JustStand4Justice]

SUPER FACTSSSSSS

[@manuelrosa4702]

Love JAY TO DEATH but he’s not the G.O.A.T

[@davidg7300]

Wayne will eat that up

[@ronaldvanrussel9413]

jay Z The C.A.M.E.L

[@SevenHunnid]

We live in the matrix.. We only live physically once so we shouldn’t be afraid to do anything bro, i smoke weed on my KZbin channel and i ate Mcdonald’s inside Walmart, screw anyones opinion brotha, we in the matrix frfr G☝️😂

[@TonyStarks1986]

Easily the greatest to me, in my humble opinion.

[@kingsmooth3894]

Great Video & filled with FACTZ !! WELL DONE! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kylosolo8815]

I really enjoyed this man

[@moa9448]

Hov the Goat!!! So many great verses but for me... can i live? (Second verse) and imaginary player are two of his best.

[@karlessohlatte7766]

Hopefully newer generations of fans understand the importance of that man in music

[@pwg111291]

Great video. Loved it

[@brandonfrazier1734]

Great video bruh.. keep going. Can you do one where it shows the artists in the booth?

[@sleeperino3054]

The GOAT! Great video

[@hiphopdx]

Thank you!!

[@godsfavorite6905]

Black album is underrated

[@bigdogmitch2]

No it’s not! The black album is considered a classic.

[@RegjaiJones]

Wow, open up the mind on all the headlines, and the interviews.

[@sethrobertbrickler7011]

Love this series. Gang Starr next please! I like that you called it the “Middle Child” era because that’s how I refer to it since J Cole was right about the difference in eras and how he (and his peers) came out then between the 2

[@J1hunnitL4E]

That’s what’s does it for me the high level lyrics still witout a pen …a lot people freestyle true but the level of jayz why with his freestyle ability tells me he has reached mastery

[@shamekascalavino8209]

I always knew he was special loved him from the beginning 💐❤️

[@blackice3395]

Great video

[@thesteppino45]

My favorite Jay-Z verse? "The Watcher": "Things just ain't the same for gangstas But I'm a little too famous to shoot these pranksters All of these rap singers, claimin' they bangers Doin' all sorts of twisted shit with their fingers Disrespectin' the game, no home training or manners I was doin' this shit when you was shittin' your Pampers I was movin' them grams 'Fore you knew what a hand-to-hand was Duckin' the vans, radars, the scanners Before you knew what "hard, " "white, " or "tan" was I was hittin' the turnpike, a'ight with the bammers I was nice with my hands, 'cause a'ight with them hammers I was prickin' my finger 'fore you knew what a fam' was I had it laid out 'fore you knew what a plan was 300 mill' later, now you understand us Y'all ain't see us comin' through Vegas You ever seen so much cham' bust in one night? Grand fucked up one fight I was on the Peter Pan bus You was puttin' Peter Pan up in your room Y'all fuckin' with whom? Allow me to retort You cowards is just now learnin' the shit that we taught You niggas ain't know about a Robb Report 'Bout a high-speed Porsche I.e., you niggas ain't know how to floss 'Til I came through the door, like "Eric B. for Prez" Respect me in this bitch! You can't disrespect us 'cause you got a little check cut You was sucking 'em so long, fucking your lil' neck up Now, you too big for your britches You got a few little bitches You think you Hugh Hef', but you just ridiculous I blew breath for you midgets, I gave life to the game It's only right I got the right to be king Niggas that got life really like what I sing 'Cause they know it's really like, niggas feel my pain Know the shit I don't write Be the illest shit that's ever been recited in the game Word to the hyphen in my name J-A-Y, Dash, Hoffa The past, present, nigga, the future, proper The holy trinity of hip-hop is us We give Dre his props, but that's where it stops It's the Roc!"

[@Roy_MO]

🔥🔥🔥

[@j2thelew432]

Underrated album.

[@algeriano01]

One of Jay's most underrated songs. His lyrics and delivery are simply impeccable

[@david.v7605]

Why does jay z like sampling? 🤦

[@leeanthonys81]

Outshined even Rakim on this one.

[@istanlysterlien6453]

I think Rick Ross would be a good one. His ear for beats crazy and his evolution as a song writer

[@dragonslayer3017]

Ayo, this was a good one all the way around 👍🏽

[@hiphopdx]

Thank you!

[@Sololobo2112]

Job well done, Great Video

[@lanelljohnson5767]

I simply love this man. What I have always noticed with him, he will watch and read a room! But I didn’t know he didn’t need to write his music. He’s literally a genius 🙏🏼

[@santiagochilla5547]

Jay Z is different, he’s good at everything he does. He has inspired many people. Jay is one of the reasons why New York is still ruling hip hop today. Thank Jay, we love you, you’re a tremendous man. New York 🗽 please cover Nas.

[@acharich]

✨🔥✨

[@kobeplayeddefensetoo1351]

Rule? The south had the Rap game on lock for awhile now.

[@jwhite5602]

These are some good edits

[@Gogoloops]

A gift that keeps giving 🙌🏽🤌🏽

[@stevensimms4864]

This was excellent! Studio session: Drug Dealers Anonymous with Pusha T. Song: I don't have one, but I'm still mystified by 22 Two's and Lyrical Exercise. Favorite Album: Reasonable Doubt.

[@wandahoward-holmes4825]

This was so interesting and informative. JayZ, the legendary gift to us all. 👍🏽

[@Movensilence00]

Nice video. 👍🏾

[@megabkny]

He’s definitely my GOAT 🐐 BIG is right there 👀

[@topshelfbeezyformerlykb5108]

Yo u buggin that Jay Z R Kells Best of both worlds is a Classic, people gotta separate R Kells legal problems & his music

[@DocKaosBeats]

Facts it is 🔥🔥🔥

[@christinamoore9898]

Definitely

[@highrolla142]

Just shows you how powerful the mind is and just how much we don't use it .

[@pansexualdickhaver6878]

The human mind is the most powerful thing in the universe! There truly is no limit or boundaries in the mind. Only the ones you place there

[@vencebuchanan]

He's iconic and one of my all time favorite rappers

[@EverybodyHatesChrisNow]

The difference between Jay Z and these new rappers “not writing” is he laid his vocals before PROTOOLS!!!

[@sphakamisozondi]

I love this series. Do Kendrick next. My fav Jay line of all time: *"I'm your dog, I don't speak, but I understand"*

[@kis005]

Yeah that’s not the line though

[@hiphopdx]

We did one on Kendrick already! Go check that out

[@MetalSonic420]

JAY-Z is the G.O.A.T.

[@Justin-rv7oy]

Still behind Nas though

[@Pathfinder2992]

NEVER really noticed Jay Z UNTIL after he was with BEYONCÉ. Then I had to go back & check what he had DONE prior. He was & is the G.O.A.T. I LOVE Biggie Tupac Dre Snoop, even Drake. But as an Author, I AM really into words & as a fellow SAGITTARIUS...into words that TEACH. Shawn Carter is the GOAT & he's not "behind" Nas, who is deep also. 🙌🏽🫶🏽👑🐝

[@timothyfowler1889]

THE G.O.A.T was, and still Is LL COOL J….. it’s funny how everybody wants to be the 🐐 when he started The Original Blueprint “How the 4 walls gonna hate on The Foundation My Rhyme-Book Created Your Occupation”

[@DarioCruzMusic]

This is awesome

[@Holla_DC]

In my opinion, my fav beat that Hov rapped over is "Where I'm From"

[@mannystylz7954]

Dope🔥🔥🔥

[@CORNERSTOW]

In the song for the fam ..with beans bleek and amil he predicted his whole future. The most amazing verses ever 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡💯💯💯

[@RyzeHendricksTV]

Super dope video

[@Anthony-el6it]

You already know what it's hitting for ma