I find #2 and #3 to be contradictory. Being a "business, man" is what Jay-Z is all about. He's made himself into a brand. Kids buy HP computers simply because h

I find #2 and #3 to be contradictory. Being a "business, man" is what Jay-Z is all about. He's made himself into a brand. Kids buy HP computers simply because he endorses them. That brand and iconic status is quite separate from his "businessman" status as founder of Roc-a-fella, CEO of Def Jam, owner of the 40/40 club, New Jersey Nets, etc. He definitely stays out of the limelight while running his businesses. That would be the being in the "food and beverage" mode. As Jay-Z the rapper, however, he has to take on a gigantic public image. You can't really follow #2 while abiding by #3. I also wouldn't say 2001 was when Jay-Z was a "young star." He was already incredibly mainstream in the late 90's. Of course, I understand that this post was more for entertainment value :)