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Jay-Z to Appear with Cornel West at Midtown Library to Plug His New Book

By DNAinfo Staff on November 9, 2010 8:17pm

Recording artist Jay-Z performs at Hammerstein Ballroom Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 in New York.
Recording artist Jay-Z performs at Hammerstein Ballroom Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 in New York.
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AP Photo/Gary He

By Jill Colvin

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Hip hop superstar Jay-Z is used to packing massive stadiums and international arenas. But next Monday, he'll debut his latest work at a library in Midtown.

Beyonce's Grammy Award-winning hubby is set to sit down with Cornel West to discuss his new book, "Decoded," at a sold-out talk at the New York Public Library’s main Stephen A. Schwarzman Building branch.

The rapper has described his literary debut as "a book of rhymes" filled with stories of his life growing up in Brooklyn and his path to fame.

"Jay-Z will share his thoughts on growing up as a hustler and feeling judged simply because of where he was from," promises the library's release.

He'll also discuss the issues that have shaped his songwriting, including his political involvement and how he's managed to "stay honest to himself in the world of big business," the release says.

Tickets for Monday's event went on sale Friday for $58 apiece. "Decoded" is set to be released a day later, on Nov. 16.