Growing up, I had this friend who was crazy about Jay-Z. The guy knew practically every song word for word and could rap along without missing a single line. So naturally, I got curious and started listening to Jay-Z myself, just to see what the hype was all about. And mind you, I was really into hip-hop back then, but for some reason, I just couldn't get into his music. I mean, don't get me wrong, the guy can rap, no question about that. I just never understood what made him so special.