Can’t stop I, from drinkin Mai-Tais, wit Ty Ty, down in Nevada, ha ha poppa, word life
Encouraging you to establish traditions/hobbies via my yearly Jay-Z catalogue binge
Why did I choose that bar (the title) from Dead Presidents II out of the gah-gillion Hov bars I could’ve selected? Because I am literally on my way to Nevata (is how you should’ve pronounced it) to Bachelor-party it up with my dear friend whose wedding I’ll be a groomsman in (in) a few months. We will absolutely not be drinking Mai-Tais. However, great rum, bourbon, and rye-ryes will feature prominently during the trip. Point here is: Hov-engers – yes, Jay-Z’s avengers – will be quick to tell you that Hov has a bar for every life scenario. I challenge you to prove this wrong.
But look, contrary to what you’re thinking, this will not be an homage to Jay-Z in the traditional sense. Instead, I’ll give you a Nike-style “just do it” encouragement to establish traditions and hobbies.
Be that as it may, Jay-Z, most NY’ers’ default response to “who is the best rapper alive,” deserves his flowers.
What are some of my traditions that brought me to write this piece?
Reading (no surprise there)
In my Toni Morrison and James Baldwin book reviews, I mentioned that my reading year starts with those authors, respectively. That’s been the case for the last couple of years. This year is the only exception given my ‘rum’ books bent for 2025.
Cut Something Out
Every year, I pick something to remove from the rotation, or I decide on a lifestyle to follow for 365 days. A full Jan 1 to Jan 1.
I’ve done everything from no coffee to no alcohol (this won’t happen again, though I support all my teetotalers). One of the more interesting ones I’ve done was no clothing/footwear purchases for a year. Still lingering in that land, to be honest. Most recently, from 2024 to 2025, I followed a primarily pescatarian-vegan hybrid diet.
Curry goat saw me jogging to it as soon as Jan 1, 2025, hit
Music
I binge Jay-Z’s studio albums (on Spotify), starting from his first, Reasonable Doubt, and ending with his last, 4:44.
Why did I start doing this? I have no idea.
But it’s my tradition and I’m sticking to it!
Now that I think about it, I haven’t established anything for 2025 in the Cut Something Out department. We’re nearly halfway through the year, so I’ll set something for 2026 instead. Hectic year, I’ll cut myself some slack this time around. I can use a break.
We gotta find you something to do.
Our “primitive” ancestors, the foragers and hunter-gatherers, would be confused about why survival “things” alone don’t keep us satiated. Matter fact, why do you need to be satiated outside of eat-breath-sleep-procreate-kill? Well, for one, increases in standard of living (on average) have propelled us into purpose-beings vs survival-beings. So, much of this is explained by the consequences of human evolution, fortunately/unfortunately.
As I noted in my Yuval Noah Harari x Nexus piece, we are storytelling, meaning-seeking creatures. Unlike our survivalist elder-elders, we need purpose. Purpose is wired into our modern-day coding, at least most societies are structured in ways that reinforce this idea of purpose being a necessity. Your “why.”
I listened to a podcast recently (below) and one of the ways the host defined happiness was: enjoyment, connection, satisfaction, and purpose.
Traditions and hobbies, even better if with others, are one way to drive toward some of those elements of happiness. Giving yourself “something to do” prevents you from being sedentary and complacent, the fast-tracks to getting called home sooner than you intended.
What I will attempt from here is a few sentences, backed by each Jay-Z studio album, starting with Reasonable Doubt, that will establish justifications behind why it’s necessary to have traditions and hobbies created/dreamed up by you, very specifically (i.e., not only the ones handed down by your society in the form of federal holidays and such).
Why? Because, as I noted in my fragrance piece, all adults should busy themselves with hobbies. Keep the brain juices flowing. Keep life interesting. Test yourself (if needed). Benefit from something interesting.
Note: Not trying to encourage you for grinding/commercial purposes, but if you need some motivation to not let your potential fade into never-gonna-happen land –
I seen hoop dreams deflate like a true fiend's weight — Jay-Z x Izzo
Quick Definition.
Traditions vs. Hobbies
Traditions: all the things I listed above (Reading, Cut Something Out, Music), which are self-defined, self-initiated, customized, etc.
Hobbies: interests and leisurely pursuits (i.e., for me – reading, writing, and rum collecting).
Traditions can take your hobby or random interests and give them a boost.
Fine line between the two, but enough of a differentiation to tease out the difference.
Whatever your traditions and hobbies, nurture them. If you don’t have any, find some. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Jay, take it away.
Reasonable Doubt x 1996.
I’d rather die enormous than live dormant, that’s how we on it… – Jay-Z x Can I Live
Nine to five is how you survive, I’m not tryna survive, I’m tryna live it to the limit and love it a lot… – Jay-Z x D’evils
Return of the jedi from Rio De Janeiro, on the red eye, yet I still feel the need to be fly… – Jay-Z x Cashmere Thoughts
Remember what Cam said in the video where he was giving Jay-Z praise? So, yes, Jay’s bars up there will lean more ‘getting to it’ vs. developing hobbies/traditions. But I’d argue that those lyrics still apply for our purposes.
You’ll ultimately feel better. You won’t feel “dormant” when you get up and nurture your hobbies. Ask your friends who work out early in the morning (every morning), and they'll usually agree that they feel like they’ve conquered the day. Like they’ve accomplished so much just from that one (essential) daily hobby.
Develop something you really enjoy doing and “love it a lot.”
Traveling – to Rio – may be one of those hobbies.
Take that flight, see the world.
Or...I don't know...pick up dance classes.
Either way, nurture the hobby!
In My Lifetime, Vol.1 x 1997.
I got bail money, double XL money…you got flash now, but time will reveal money… – Jay-Z x Imaginary Players
You only know what you see…You don’t understand what it takes to be…me… – Jay-Z x Lucky Me
I’m going to be very crass. Don’t follow people unless it helps to nurture your hobbies/traditions (nothing wrong with inspiration). Flashy things are alluring, like peacock feathers, but do they have staying power? You will have to pick up the pieces when all is said and done. You’ll have to look in the mirror and ask if you lived your life for yourself or others (unless you have a family, that’s a different consideration).
Barring you work investment-banking level hours (i.e., you actually don’t have the time), develop your hobbies/traditions without worrying about what people will think. People who are firm in who they are don’t have this issue; They recognize that outside opinions are just that…not-in-the-gym-with-me thoughts.
Be you.
Vol.2… Hard Knock Life x 1998.
Gangstas don’t die, they get chubby, and move to Miami… – Jadakiss x Reservoir Dogs
Max out on your hobbies/traditions, it’ll feel like you retired early.
The satisfaction is well worth it.
I’m trying here. I know that was so-so.
Vol.3… Life And Times Of S. Carter x 1999.
COMPETITION IS NADA! – Amil x S. Carter
Could’ve been lost in the system, instead I’m involved with the rhythm – Jay-Z x Things That U Do
Remember, you’re sitting in your own league when you’ve carefully defined and pursued your interests (doesn’t even have to be relentlessly, just intentionally). If you’re flowing with the river, and you eventually get off the boat and realized you didn’t want to go down that stream…you’ll just be pissed off.
Avoid that.
The Dynasty: Roc La Familia x 2000.
Relax yourself and let your conscience be free… – Jay-Z x Get Your Mind Right Mami
This can’t be life, this can’t be love, this can’t be us… – Jay-Z x This Can’t Be Life
You stay on the boat and get off downstream somewhere, you’ll be saying that second quote. Get out there and “let your conscience be free.” What’s that one thing you can do right now that would bring you an ounce more of joy? Start small (5-10 mins) and remain consistent.
The Blueprint x 2001.
I'm like a dog, I never speak, but I understand… – Jay-Z x Never Change
Oh, you not feeling me? Fine, it cost you nothing to pay me no mind…Damn little mans I’m just tryna do me… – Jay-Z x Heart Of The City
It may even be a good idea to conceal your hobbies/traditions (since they’ll likely be personal). No outside interference and noise may help the nurturing process. But if strong opinions interfere with your pursuits, have a ‘2nd quote up there’ mentality.
The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse x 2002.
My attitude is f*** it cause motherfuckers love it… And f*** being famous, I came to get the butters… – Jay-Z x Some People Hate
A really interesting thing happens when you lean into certain hobbies, or anything that lights you up that may not be immediately transparent to others. You’ll get the occasional ‘why are you even doing that?’ But when the positive, sometimes transformative, effects kick in, some give you stripes for what (really) was a sustained commitment to what brings you satisfaction over a long period of time.
All of this aside, you’re not doing it for the glory, you’re doing it because it enlarges you.
The Blueprint 2.1 x 2003.
London, England, South of France…And all points between they know about your man…Konichiwa ladies when I'm out in Japan…I'm a Tokyo Giant like Ichiro, I am… – Jay-Z x All Around The World
A whole lot of ‘do something, do something,’ with no recommendations isn’t helpful, I get that. Here’s one that speaks for itself, but I’ll state it here anyway: If you can afford it, travel. For my fellow Americans, international travel is recommended if you can. But we also have a vast and varied country. Most of us won’t ever traverse all 50 states. But if possible, put some states down to check out that you haven’t thought about visiting before. Montana, Utah, Washington, and Alaska (nature-bent) come to mind for me. Arizona is a gem if you’ve never been.
If you can afford/do both (domestic and international), vary your experiences in that way. Do something polarizing, in the sense that the two places are so vastly different. My trip to Oman comes to mind, versus, say, visiting Hudson Valley, NY, or Nashville, TN.
If you can swing a (safe) solo trip, do it. Nothing like having to sit with yourself and go through the motions of “vacation,” when it’s only you and you to contend with.
The Black Album x 2003.
The Martha Stewart, that's far from Jewish…Far from a Harvard student, just had the balls to do it…And no I'm not through with it…In fact, I'm just preview-in it… – Jay-Z x What More Can I Say
This is commercial success talk that talk, walk that walk, but let’s flip it for our purposes here. Just do it. You stand more to gain from gentle/minimal pursuit of hobbies/traditions vs. deferring them.
Ideate some of the things you want to commit to and do them. Because you know what will guarantee that things don't ever happen? Not starting them.
Kingdom Come x 2006.
I don't got the bright watch, I got the right watch…I don't buy out the bar, I bought the nightspot…I got the right stock… – Jay-Z x 30 Something
Again, success, get-the-money talk, but let’s flip it. We’re not as unique as we’d like to believe, in the I’m-the-only-one-that-does-this sense, it’s more mathematically/statistically unlikely than a stain on your ability to be exceptional. Lots of us across the world. So, if your hobbies/traditions mirror others', that’s probably normal. The most important thing is to tap into what it does for you. Your introspection should uncover that your hobbies/traditions bring deep psychological satisfaction. Simply following others (getting the bright watch) is not advised. Do the things that will force you to make time for them because you’ve customized and realized that they bring you peace, stimulation, etc. (the right watch). Don’t get caught up chasing the shiny things.
American Gangster x 2007
This is not for commercial usage, please don’t classify this as music – Jay-Z x No Hook
Ima live and die with the decisions that ima pick…so f*** DeHaven for caving, that’s why we don’t speak…Made men ain’t supposed to make statements…End of the story, I followed the code, cracked the safe… – Jay-Z x No Hook
Stick to your hobbies/traditions
Don’t waver
Follow your codes (what you want to do), you’ll crack the safe (realize the benefits)
And nothing else will matter (relatively speaking)
Remember, don’t feel the need to validate something that brings you personal joy, it's a waste of your time and only serves the critics' insecurities (unless they genuinely care about you, context matters). Friendly reminder to be aware of not-in-the-gym-with-me feedback
The Blueprint 3 x 2009.
Wrong, this ain’t politically correct…This might offend my political connects…My raps don’t have melodies…This should make jackers wanna go and commit felonies… – Jay-Z x DOA
Your interior life is critically important to your overall health. It may not jive with others’ motions, and that’s okay. Doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else but you. If it’s potent enough to help you, it may influence others. Don’t consider them jackers, though. Remember – we’re not all that unique in the grand scheme. Encourage others the way you’d want to be encouraged.
Watch The Throne x 2011.
Build your fences, we digging tunnels…Can’t you see we getting money up under your? – Jay-Z x Otis
If your hobbies/traditions need to be out of sight, out of mind, that’s okay. The fulfillment you feel will make it hard to conceal. It may show on your everyday facial expressions (or, for consistent worker-outers, on your physique). Ultimately, the cream will rise to the top (not in the competitive sense, but in the sense of personal rewards).
Magna Carta… Holy Grail x 2013.
Yellow Basquiat in my kitchen corner…Go ahead lean on that s*** Blue…You own it…Oh what a feeling…Picasso Baby, Ca Picasso baby – Jay-Z x Picasso Baby
If you’re self-conscious that your hobbies/traditions lean more extravagant, especially if you have the means, relax. So long as you’re not playing me vs. you games and you’re sincerely focused on your personal results…indulge.
If art collecting brings you joy, and you get lost in it, do it. You never know. One day, you may share it with your seed. Double satisfaction.
4:44 x 2017.
…we know the pain is real…But you can't heal what you never reveal… – Jay-Z x Kill Jay Z
I know people backstab you, I feel bad, too…But this f*** everybody attitude ain't natural… – Jay-Z x Kill Jay Z
You’ll never know how much you needed your hobbies/traditions until you establish them. I suppose this advice lives in the ‘miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’ stratosphere. I’m willing to bet all the coins in them old school piggy banks that once you reveal (to yourself) the hobbies/traditions you’ve been craving deep down, there’s no turning back. Or…you will find a way to feed the beast, daily at least, even if in shorter durations.
Once you lock in, there’s no need to turn your nose up at the world because you’ve found things that bring you joy and peace (likely something done in solitude). There’s nothing better than socializing/doing the “human thing.” I’ll always and forever be an advocate of that.
Jay-Z, thank you for your services. It was incredibly difficult to pick one song from each album, some more so than others.
That said, my favorite album of the year for 2025’s listen was…
…drumroll please
The Blueprint
Note: The bar that Cam was referencing (in the video at the top of the piece) is from the song “U Don’t Know” (i.e., came in the game strong, nine to be exact, from grindin g-packs)
Heart Of The City (Ain’t No Love) is my favorite song, which is crazy because it is far from an “original,” but I likes what I likes
To have Heart Of The City, Izzo, Girls Girls Girls, Song Cry (!), and Blueprint (Momma Loves Me) on one album is insanity
And like Jay said on Song Cry (!)…
…I hope you enjoyed the point of view since I held no punches (I promise a better delivery next time). Truly, though, I hope this gave you the right amount of nudge, the ever so slightest reminder/reinforcement we sometimes need to get started. Because that truly is the hardest part, oftentimes: turning the damn engine on so that we can go. Note: this piece, and the nearly 20 published before it, would not exist had I not picked up the hobby of long-form writing THIS YEAR. It’s all coming from a sincere and genuine place, hands-on experience.
This is your signal.
A proverbial green light.
Form those hobbies.
Turn them into traditions.
What’s the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.6?