Is Jay-Z satanic???

Is the H to the izzo, V to the izza a Freemason? Many have speculated over the years of his career that Jay-Z has been involved in Freemason activity and that he prescribes to some occultic beliefs. But with this cloud of symbolisms and words, will his fans still follow him?

He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $150 million, shipping over 30 million copies of his albums in the United States alone and receiving several Grammy Awards for his musical work. In mixing music performance and business, there is arguably none better than Jay-Z.

Early on in his career he distinguished himself as being different from his style of rapping to his overall outlook on hip-hop as a business. Jay-Z has taken the hip-hop genre even more mainstream and has had more success in this arena than many of the top rappers in the industry.

Patrick King, a senior business major, said, "Jay-Z has revolutionized the game and formalized hip-hop. His outlook on this business makes rappers want to grow up; he makes them want to buy tailored suits and not rims. He has become an icon who pushes for original hip- hop."

But hidden within the lyrics of his music are plenty of metaphors about the Illuminati, Lucifer, and even God. Jay-Z has recently signed with Rocnation, but his former record label, Roccafella Records heavily employed the usage of the pyramid shape containing the "all seeing eye," which is attributed to the Illuminati. The Illuminati is a rumored secret society having had historical influences in the seats of power around the world.

Barry Samples, a senior business management major, said, "His lyrics are very powerful and influential. But I don't agree with the use of some of his lyrics. I think he is a part of the Illuminati. He even calls himself 'J-hova' god mc, which is alluding to Jehovah (the God of the Holy Bible)."

The Illuminati ranks are reserved for top Freemason members. Their symbol is used on the back of every dollar bill. Because the orders of Freemasonry are in fact a secret society there is no way to 100 percent prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the practices that have been researched are in fact true. But according to first accounts and written articles by the Freemasons, Jay-Z's actions are right at home.

Freemasonry has deep roots in history, government, and religious practices. It prides itself on knowing the supposed hidden mysteries of nature and the world by understanding the significances found in numbers and words. Many high level figures in society have been accused and sometimes even proven to have been Freemasons.

Jay-Z's newest release, "The Blueprint 3," was recently released on Sept. 8. His album is full of religious and Masonic symbolism. The definition of a blueprint is a designed plan or technical drawing which a builder follows to accomplish the master architect's plan.Freemasons use the square and compass enclosing a "G" to signify that they are the builders of society, following the plan of the "Grand Architect," representing the "G" symbol.

Now whether or not anyone believes that Jay-Z is a mason leads to the question are Freemasons knowingly or even unknowingly serving the powers of darkness? Yes, according to the beliefs of some high-ranking Freemasons of the past. Aleister Crowley, famed for his writings on Satanism and witchcraft, was also a Freemason of the thirty-third degree, the highest degree. He made famous the quote, "Do what thou wilt, for this shall be the whole of the law." This quote is in direct conjunction with going against God's commandments and doing whatever man wants to do; sin. Jay-Z wore a sweater containing this exact edict on his interview on the set of the "Run This Town" video. Coincidence?

It turns out that many of the people who are fans of Jay-Z will continue to like his music no matter what he raps about or does. When the information about masonry and serving the devil was told, students tended to agree that although the information was compelling that it wouldn't change their opinion about him as a rapper, believing that the lyrical content wouldn't affect their own beliefs, as they would be listening regardless of his religious beliefs.

Andre Collins, a junior business major, said, "Contrary to the accusations of him having devilish beliefs, he is still a good example. It wouldn't affect me listening to his music if he was satanic."

But some students actually believed that these symbols were too much to justify listening to Jay-Z as an artist.

Alyssa Rhodes, senior communication major said, "Hip-hop isn't related to my life. The lyrics themselves make me want to listen to something else."

Latoya Smith, a senior psychology major also said, "I think he is the devil. He has something to do with freemasonry and the Illuminati. Most entertainers are a part from it."

In fact many other influential hip-hop artists are rumored to be connected to freemasonry besides Jay-Z. Throughout his career he has had songs which have been of questionable content. Even from his freshman release, "Reasonable Doubt," he has included songs like "D'Evils." The chorus of which says, "Dear God, I wonder can you save me? Illuminati want my mind, soul, and my body...Dear God, I wonder can you save me? Secret society, tryin' to keep they eye on me..." The entire song is filled with other possible satanic statements.

On the "Black Album," Jay-Z had a song named Lucifer. In it he quotes, "Lord forgive him, He got them dark forces in him, but he also got a righteous cause for sinning; them a murder me so I gotta murder them first; Emergency, doctors performing procedures, Jesus." Although Jay-Z may not be a Christian, how many Christians would willingly listen to a person who stands on purpose for the exact things that oppose God?

His entire ninth album, "Kingdom Come" is founded upon a principle taken directly from the Holy Bible. Kingdom Come, is in reference to whose Kingdom, God's, his, or Satan's? This could be viewed as simply being cocky, but to others Jay-Z appears to be asserting himself equal with God.

Now the extreme researchers who have looked at everything as being a possible negative in favor of Jay-Z believe that because he may be a mason that his shots taken at God Himself or in reference to Him are proof that Freemasons are secretly against God. Some believe they hold that the Grand Architect represented by the "G" in the Freemason emblem, is not God but it in fact is Satan or Lucifer. And that the Freemason goal is to manipulate from the leadership of religion, government, and entertainment according to the Grand Architect's plan to set up his kingdom.

But beyond any opinion as to what these symbols or lyrics mean, what does this information mean to the public, from the most extreme fan to the occasional listener. The information is readily available for all to see and judge for themselves.