The Jay-Z
«I sport fly shit...i should win an espy» from Jay-Z - Party Life
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Personal >> The origin of his nicknameThe origin of his nickname
His nickname evolved from the nickname of his childhood, when he was called "Jazzy". This was the starting point to develop the nickname from. So, how eventually did the stage name Jay-Z appear? Additional reason for this kind of pseudonym was his respect for Jonathan Burks, who is famous as a Jazoriginator, Originator or Jaz-O, who worked in the 80-s and 90-s of the last century. Though later he became famous for being a mentor of Jay-Z. In his song "The Originators" featured Jay-Z in his young years. Jay-O was also featured in songs of Jay-Z. There is a song in Reasonable Doubt "Bring it On" for instance, a single from Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life is "Nigga What, Nigga Who" where he does it. Jaz-O assures that Jay-Z is from Jaz, but Jay-Z disagrees with the statement.
When Jay-Z founded Roc-a-Fella, he also invited Jaz-O to sign to it, but Jaz refused to do it. Since that time the relationship never was the same as before. The same offer was made to Sauce Money, the rapper, who also was featured on debut of Jay-Z, Reasonable Doubt, he also did not accept the offer. They distrusted, according to the rumors the co-owners of Roc-a-Fella: Kareem Biggs Burke and Dame Dash. With this invitation Jay-Z wanted to reveal his reverence as the label they created was potentially victorious. Some people say about the envy of the mentor, who had to observe how the pupil surpassed him. This conflict is portrayed in the song of Jay-Z "What We Are Talkin' About" (album Blueprint). He sings that Jaz made scraps, but he could have made much more than that. The only thing needed for that - to sign the contract.
Jaz also played significant role in the feud of Jay-Z versus Nas.
And the last version of the origin of the stage name Jay-Z: according to it, the similar name had J/Z express with New York Subway stop in Brooklyn, situated not far from Marcy Avenue.