Jay-Z Explains Using Biggie’s Rhymes in ‘Decoded’ Video

When you listen to Jay-Z's music, often times you will hear a flow or a lyric that Notorious B.I.G. once used in his songs. Jigga has always maintained that when he flips a verse from the late rapper, he's only "bigging-up his brother" and his beloved city of Brooklyn, N.Y. But some critics would argue that Hov was copying Biggie's lyrical style because he can't be creative on his own.

In a video interview, which is featured on his official Decoded iPhone app, Jay-Z answers those critics who say that he uses B.I.G's verses as a crutch. The CEO of hip-hop "decodes" the lyrics used in the song 'The City is Mine,' where he raps, "A world with amnesia won't forget your name," in reference to his dear friend.

"There was a vow in that song about B.I.G.," Jay-Z revealed. "It was my way of always keeping him fresh and keeping his music fresh on everyone's mind. So I'm inspired by music and I'm a fan and a historian. I study music and different emotions and things like that. So, if I'm inspired by it, I just use it. It's not a crutch for me. I can write a song without using anyone's lyrics at all."

We know that Jay. You're one of the best lyricists in hip-hop and there's no need to explain yourself to the haters. Roc on!

Watch the Jay-Z 'A World With Amnesia Won't Forget Your Name' Video

Watch the Jay-Z 'City Is Mine' Video