Soulja can learn about more than 1990’s rap from Bow Wow. In an Instagram story last Tuesday, Bow Wow thanks Jay-Z for motivating him to become financially literate. The album 4:44, released in 2017 and focuses on heavy situations from Jay-Z’s life. Jay-Z write about fighting his past self, the futility of living rich, and leaving behind a legacy for his children.
Bow Wow thanks Jay-Z
Earlier this week, Bow Wow posted on Instagram thanking Jay-Z for inspiring him. The rapper claims that Jay-Z messages about responsibility in 4:44 have made him a better person. The passionate post brings awareness to the positives of powerful credit, “It’s cool to have cash but with good credit… Man the world is yours!”
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Comments on the post are divided. Some agree entirely with Bow Wow, arguing that credit opens up opportunities for growth. But those opportunities are only available to those who manage credit well early. Others remain unconvinced and instead believe that cash is king. Credit can lead young people into debt, which stifles growth.
Life Lessons from 4:44
People are often motivated to make positive change through song. Something about music makes messages more meaningful. It is not hard to see why Bow Wow was inspired by 4:44. The album is full of raw emotion and wisdom. The most obvious example is probably Jay-Z’s “The Story of O.J.” which focuses on the importance of early investment and credit, “You wanna know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club? Credit.” He then goes on to emphasize the important of smart investment:
I bought some artwork for one million
Two years later, that shit worth two million
Few years later, that shit worth eight million
I can’t wait to give this shit to my children
Y’all think it’s bougie, I’m like, it’s fine
But I’m tryin’ to give you a million dollars worth of game for $9.99
The idea of passing wealth on to the next generation is expanded upon in “Legacy.” In that song, Jay-Z emphasizes the importance of establishing generational wealth. He argues not only it is important for securing the future of a family, but it can help improve society:
Take those monies and spread ‘cross families
My sisters, Hattie and Lou, the nephews, cousins and TT
Eric, the rest to B for whatever she wants to do
She might start an institute, she might put poor kids through school
[…]
Leave a piece for your siblings to give to their children too
TIDAL, the champagne, D’USSÉ, I’d like to see
A nice peace-fund ideas from people who look like we
We gon’ start a society within a society
At its core, 4:44 cautions, “Fuck livin’ rich and dyin’ broke,” a valuable lesson whether you are a 40-year old rapper or a 20-year old signing up for your first credit card.
by Chris Colasurdo
@cfcolasurdo on Twitter
