Reviews

            There are many reviews of Zack O'Malley Greenburg's book, "Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office." Overall, the reviews were very positive and stressed Greenburg's commitment to providing a well-put together report and using credible sources. These all attest to his unwavering desire to be a reputable journalist, author, and salesman in a world that makes these attributes seem to be second matter. Zack's ability to remain credible and stick to his values have proved to be supportive of his widespread success at such a young age. Here are just a few of the reviews I found that offer some stances on this book.

The Launch Magazine: Start pursuing your passion

     “While Greenburg is clearly a fan of Jay-Z he reiterates on more than one occasion that he is a shrewd business man and not the most loyal friend.”

The Gray Way Book Review Site: Your source for a fresh outlook

      “For starters, Zack O’Malley Greenburg is not the average hip hop chronicler. The freshman author has cut his teeth as a journalist at Forbes and Fortune magazines’ penning articles about current financial trends… The book’s central question is provocative worth wrestling with: How does a drug dealer from  the streets of Brooklyn become a respected, international business mogul?”

Barnes and Noble

     “Forbes staffer Greenburg's first book is a fond look at a successful idol; in fact, the author thanks "Jay-Z for living a life worthy of chronicling." Celebrity enchantment aside, this effort offers little new information. Though it's not for a lack of trying; Greenburg is an enthusiastic researcher but admits to having requests to interview Jay-Z himself declined. Thus, only a few first person interviews-rambling anecdotes at that have made the cut.”

Good Reads

     “Some people think Jay-Z is just another rapper. Others see him as just another celebrity/mega-star. The reality is, no matter what you think Jay-Z is, he first and foremost a business. And as much as Martha Stewart or Oprah, he has turned himself into a lifestyle.”

HipHop DX

     “A new Jay-Z biography has hit the newsstands by Forbes' Zack O'Malley Greenburg that has some interesting sources and revelations that may shock even the biggest super-fan.”