The art of rap is deceptive. It seems so straightforward and personal and real that people read it completely literally, as raw testimony or autobiography. And sometimes the words we use, nigga, bitch, motherfucker, and the violence of the images overwhelms some listeners. It's all white noise to them till they hear a bitch or a nigga and then they run off yelling "See!" and feel vindicated in their narrow conception of what the music is about.

In 2004 Jay-Z collaborated with rock group Linkin Park in which they released their collaborative remix EP Collision Course which featured mashups of both artists' songs as well as a concert DVD. The album features producers such as Just Blaze Pharrell Kanye West Dr. Life and Times of S.

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4 1969) better known by his stage name Jay-Z (sometimes stylized JAY Z) is an American rapper record producer entrepreneur and occasional actor. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and the founder of Roc Nation. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America.