Jay-Z is in an empire state of mind right now. The reigning king of New York seems rather comfortable in the lavish, royalty themed confines of Central Park South’s most famous short stay, The Plaza. Here to promote and explain his exclusive role as co-host (he shares the spotlight with rap superstar Eminem) in the new DJ Hero Renegade Edition video game, Jigga sinks into the throne like chair placed before him and tucks his hands into his jeans. Decked out in an nearly all black outfit, topped with a Yankee fitted cap, today’s living legend eagerly awaits his last set of roundtable questions from a group of reporters wanting to know everything from his touring secrets to his favorite all-time video game to how his beloved team will win the World Series. With the setting relaxed and intimate, you can bet he doesn’t disappoint with his quick wit and comedic timing, stand up should have been his first calling.
This interview is the second of four parts that we will be posting everyday this week. Just for kicks, the questions with the * symbol were asked by yours truly, the ones without the * were asked by other reporters in the room. DJ Hero dropped yesterday, pick it up and get your Grand Master Flash on.
DJ Hero- DJ Grand Master Flash
Part 2
What’s your favorite song on DJ Hero that isn’t yours?
Jay-Z: Favorite song that isn’t mine…man, does such a song exist? [Laughs] I don’t know.
All right, what’s your favorite song of yours on there?
Jay-Z: Well, now were talking. [Laughs] It’s a mix of “Izzo” and “My Name Is” that I thought was very clever, the way they put those two together.
I played the “Izzo” combo in the lounge, it was pretty difficult. Have you played some of yours yet, and if so, was it fun, was it easy?
Jay-Z: Did they start you off on the easy level? They gotta start you off on the easy level.
I was on beginners.
Jay-Z: Awww man…
The songs to scratch to were difficult.
Jay-Z: I’m sorry to hear that. You need a lil’ more practice now.
I do, yeah.
Jay-Z: Well, yeah, there’s a lot of things to press and move for the first time. I think that’s what makes the game so fun, that it’s challenging, that you can’t just get on there and just be the world champion. It takes a minute. You don’t want to finish a game in one day, what good is that? You know those little games back in the day, you finish them in one day and it’d be over with. I think that’s the fun part about it, it is challenging, but it’s fun. I mean, I’m no better than you. I can definitely beat you [laughs around the room], but I’m not really, really good. I’m not on the next level; I’m still on the beginners as well.
Igiht, I feel better.
Jay-Z: But I can definitely take you. [Laughs around the room] Take your legs right from under you.
Would you say you are better at playing DJ Hero or scratching actual turntables?
Jay-Z: Definitely DJ Hero. I can make (does rubbing/cutting noise) sounds but, I’ll leave that to the professionals. But I think after a year with DJ Hero I’m going to DJ parties like Q-Tip and all of those guys. D-Nice. I mean, if they can do it… [Laughs] I’m going to figure out who gets paid the most; I’ve got a whole plan. I’ll work on this for a year, then I’m gonna get me a little Serato set, I’m gonna work on that for another six months, then I’m gonna find out who makes the most and I’m gonna charge double, then tour, do bar mitzvahs, weddings. I’mma have like
