Jay-Z has been on an NYC promo tour for the past few days in support of his new book, Decoded, where he breaks down the meaning of his song lyrics and also tells the stories behind them.  He definitely made the rounds, man, and the book sounds like it’s really dope.  He was everywhere from the New York Public Library, where he sat and talked with Cornel West, to NPR, to Late Night with David Letterman (all different and worth checking out, just click on them).  But my favorite two post-worthy interviews he did that I want to highlight are linked below.  First, he went to visit Howard Stern, who is known for being silly and fun with his guests but actually did a really in-depth interview about Jay-Z’s relationship with his father, and even talked about Hov’s taste in art and how it relates to his new book (the cover is an Andy Warhol).  Then, Jay made a stop up at Hot 97 for a classic interview with Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg for their Juan Epstein podcast, touching on lots of old hip hop memories, including his close friendship with Biggie, his appearance on the Stretch and Bobbito radio show in the mid-90’s with Big L, and his battle with Nas.  Check them both out below the pic from Hot 97…

Howard Stern Interviews Jay-Z (UPDATE: Watch full video interview HERE)

Juan Epstein with Jay-Z

Got a couple related things to share also.  Jay-Z just signed one of my favorite new rappers on the scene, Jay Electronica, which is a great look, and did a song with him called “Shiny Suit Theory”.  Listen to it HERE.  And Jay Electronica also did a solo song called “The Announcement”, cementing his spot with the Roc.  Listen to that one HERE.  They’re both CRACK.  Links courtesy of NahRight.  Also, as a throwback, listen to Howard Stern interview Jay-Z back in 2003 before The Black Album dropped.  It’s very, very fun.  Here’s PART ONE, PART TWO, and PART THREE of the interview.  And don’t forget to cop that book, and also the Jay-Z Hits Collection.  It’s the Roc!!!!!!

*BONUS*

Speaking of new books, My Uncle Steve, the eldest of the Isenberg men in my family, recently had one of his articles included in the 2010 Best American Essays publication (see cover above).  This may not be the type of content Westcheddar readers are used to seeing posted here, but I gotta give my Uncle some shine for having his work printed alongside such famous writers as John Edgar Wideman and David Sedaris.  Click the link to read, it’s excellent…

Lunching On Olympus by Steven L. Isenberg

Cop the book (and read reviews) HERE.  Uno.