JAY-Z Claims He Read On A 12th Grade Level As A 6th Grader
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JAY-Z’s proficiency in the art of rhyme is well-renowned, but according to the rap legend, he’s long had a way with words. During Hov’s Brooklyn’s Own television special with Gayle King, the Marcy Projects native recalled wowing his 6th grade teacher and classmates with his ability to read on the equivalent of a high school senior.
“Miss Loudon was my sixth grade teacher. In the sixth grade, I was reading on a 12th grade level,” he revealed, sharing that the positive reinforcement boosted his esteem. “That excited me. ‘Cause everyone was excited. And Miss Loudon, she was excited. It felt like me riding my bike at 4, the way people reacted to that.”
Elsewhere during the interview, which premiered Tuesday (Nov. 14) on CBS and took place at the mogul’s Book of Hov exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library, JAY-Z likened his passion for justice reform with his joy for creating music, naming the latter as his “first love.”
“I think what matters most today is being a beacon and helping out… my culture,” the hitmaker explained. “People of color. I think I pull the most satisfaction from that. Like making music earlier was my first love. I could sit there for hours. It consumed me. That’s why my pace was so fast. I had so much material… And I think now the idea of taking that platform and reproducing it for others or doing something like [Reform Alliance]… I think I derive the most joy from that.”
JAY-Z has been vocal about his love for literature throughout his career, both in his rhymes and in interviews. He has cited popular books such as 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav, ‘Purple Cow’ by Seth Godin, The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, and The Odyssey by Homer.
In 2010, the Hip-Hop icon released his memoir, Decoded, which reached No. 3 on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
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