Jay-Z’s ‘Decoded’ Lands on ‘New York Times’ Best Sellers List

Jay-Z has topped the Billboard charts and Forbes list of wealthiest musicians, and now he finds himself atop a new chart. The rapper-turned-author’s first book Decoded has landed on The New York Times Best Sellers list.

Sean Carter’s memoir Decoded debuts at No. 3 on the Hardcover Nonfiction edition of The New York Times Best Sellers list for the week of December 5. The top two spots are occupied by former President George W. Bush’s autobiography Decision Points and Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken.

The book, which provides insight into Jay-Z’s lyrics and life, has seen brisk sales since its release earlier this month. It was included on Oprah’s coveted “Favorite Things” show and is currently in the top 10 sellers on Amazon.com.

Entertainment Weekly gave Decoded an A-, calling it “Shawn Carter’s most honest airing of the experiences he drew on to create the mythic figure of Jay-Z,” while The New York Times says “Decoded gives the reader a harrowing portrait of the rough worlds Jay-Z navigated in his youth, while at the same time deconstructing his lyrics.”