High Fashion & Hip Hop Collide

"Everyone’s supposed to stay in their lines and be neat. You’re a rapper. You’re supposed to rap, carry a boom box, wear chains, and go to the club—that’s all you do. What are you doing collecting art? What are you talking about? Wait a minute, you’re getting out of the zone. People hate when people cross lines," —Jay Z

Most would say from Reasonable doubt to Magna Carta Holy Grail, Jay z's albums are classics that could last through multiple generations and era's of hip hop. Most could say his business man mentality from being a sports manager and part owner of one of New Yorks biggest arenas, and well known night clubs his business ethic is just as timeless. Some could say his down to earth mentality is what got Oprah to his former home, Marcy Projects! From collaborating albums with artist such as R.Kelly to his prodigy Kanye West, he's kind of like an eclectic, modern day Renaissance man. 
I could be biased with this post but it's just exciting for me to see my favorite artist featured on one of my favorite magazines! Jay-z takes the cake once again covering the November, 2013 cover of Vanity Fair magazine.  This is legendary being that Vanity Fair has a predominantly white production and audience, but the barriers don't stand a chance with this guy Jay! He's no stranger to Vanity Fair though, him and his wife Beyonce were both featured in the magazines 2001 Music Issue. “we were just beginning to try to date each other.” Try? “Well, you know, you’ve got to try first. You got to dazzle," Jay (vanity fair issue).
Shot by fashion photographer Mario Testino, the cover features Mr. Carter in a clean, classic white tuxedo jacket and black pants. Titled "The New Chairman of the Board", the magazine promises this will be his most revealing interview to date!  In stores now, the issue discusses his Projects to Paris story, Jay's daughter Blu Ivy Carter, his marriage and his career thus far. 

Jay-z speaks frequently about his life as a drug dealer and he shared that with Vanity Fair.
"Jay’s checkered past taught him a few things that he says will come in handy in his new role as a sports agent: “I know about budgets. I was a drug dealer,” he tells Robinson. “To be in a drug deal, you need to know what you can spend, what you need to re-up. Or if you want to start some sort of barbershop or car wash—those were the businesses back then. Things you can get in easily to get out of [that] life. At some point, you have to have an exit strategy, because your window is very small; you’re going to get locked up or you’re going to die.” (vanity fair issue)

Currently preparing to tour for his Magna Carter Holy Grail album, Jay speaks on past retirements and why he's still relevant to the rap game. Jay admits that, after all these years, he still loves to rap. “I know I said I wouldn’t be doing it when I was 30,” he tells Robinson, “so that’s how I know I love it. Thirty years old was my cutoff, but I’m still here, 43 years old.” (vanity fair)
Just decided to give you guys a sneak peak but if you haven't pick the issue up in your local stores and grab those Magna Carta Holy Grail tickets! I will be attending the show January 9 in Chicago and I'll be sure to share my experience!

Peace, Love, Greatness!