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• Continued Business Acumen - It's one thing to make<br />

good business decisions within the context of a company,<br />

but it's another thing to make good business decisions on<br />

one's own. As an individual businessman outside of Roc-<br />

A-Fella, Jay-Z is brilliant. Successful club owner (no small<br />

feat considering how difficult it is to own a club or restaurant).<br />

Former President of Def Jam Records. Part-owner<br />

of the Brooklyn nets, and a significant figure in moving<br />

the nets from new Jersey to his hometown. Co-Brand<br />

Director for Budweiser Select. He chooses his ventures<br />

wisely and brings the same hustle to those as he does his<br />

music.<br />

• Public Opinions - It is said that opinions are bad for business,<br />

which is why many celebrities avoid being vocal<br />

about certain topics. But Jay-Z is no stranger to controversial<br />

opinions, and he has bumped heads with some powerful<br />

people. He called for boycott against Cristal when<br />

managing director Frederic Rouzaud made a disrespectful<br />

comment about the hip-hop community consuming<br />

the product. He challenged noel Gallagher of oasis and<br />

other rockers when Gallagher opposed Jay-Z performing<br />

at Glastonbury. He boycotted the Grammy's in 1998 because<br />

DMX wasn't nominated for Best Rap Album. Yet<br />

in Jay-Z's case, these controversies only improved his stature.<br />

Why? Because he stood up for something important.<br />

In each occasion, he voiced his opinions in defense of hip<br />

hop music. Against Cristal, he defended an attack on the<br />

hip-hop community. Against noel Gallagher, he defended<br />

the right of hip hop musicians to perform alongside rock<br />

musicians. Against the Grammy's, he defended a rapper<br />

who was perhaps viewed as too hardcore. His willingness<br />

to stand up for the art form makes him a true ambassador<br />

of hip-hop.<br />

• Philanthropy - Lots of hustlers talk about giving back to<br />

the community once they have made their fortune, but<br />

Jay-Z actually does it. Visits to Africa. Meeting with the<br />

United nations. Donating to the Red Cross during Hurricane<br />

Katrina. Performing free of charge in voter-drive<br />

concerts. Donating to charities such as The Boys & Girls<br />

144

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