The man behind the man...

So I'm searching for things to write about and I hit up allhiphop.com and saw an interesting editorial by Cedric Muhammad about Jay-z being a "Rich Righteous Teacher". The article seems long and a little disjointed but one thing did strike me early on in the article and this is an excerpt:

With all due respect to the conspiracy theorists and groupies on one hand, and the established Hip-Hop and mainstream media on the other – in 2010, anyone’s analysis or critique of Jay-Z’s career has little credibility with me if it does not factor in the role that John Meneilly – his business manager and adviser has played in it. It is actually a supreme compliment to Jay-Z and John Meneilly and a discredit to the journalism profession that the most talked about celebrity in the history of the Hip-Hop culture and industry has the least talked about business manager. Sadly, it is a sign of two things: how ignorant of business the Hip-Hop culture continues to be and why its media – talk shows, magazines and blogs – have little to offer those seeking to find a way through a global recession and music industry in transition. Last I checked as of the date of this writing there was not even a Wikipedia page entry on the man arguably most responsible, other than Jay-Z, for certain key business moves he has made. Nor, are there hardly any pictures of him on the Internet.

It's true, I looked. This guy could be the Keyser Soze of hip-hop right now because he is helping to control the pulse of the people in urban communities through Jay. This is more evidence that there is no "illuminati" connection or reason for Jay-z's success, rather it's picking the right people to help guide his career. First Dame, now this man.

I also thought this was important for another reason, it shows that you can be involved in hip-hop, be a power broker of all sorts yet you don't have to be in front of a damn camera, in fact it behooves you to not be seen that much. Trust me, this guy has money, and he damn sure has power. The problem with hip-hop culture is that everyone is so intent on being seen, being in the public eye and getting the fame instead of getting things done. 

 (once again definately check out Cedric Muhammad's blog about Jay-z and his business sense)

 It's imperative that young people in hip-hop know and understand that Jay-Z is just the image. Not to say he is an idiot or that he doesn't have ideas and a strategic vision, you have to be able to use other people in your circle or team for their strengths. You have to find people more experienced or connected than you in some areas in order to be successful.