Jay-z Dismisses Rappers’ ‘hood’ Boasts

JAY-Z is sick of rappers referring to their lives in America’s ghettos - insisting he has seen real poverty after a charity trip to Africa.

The 99 Problems legend took time out from hip-hop superstardom to visit the largely impoverished continent to see the good work his Water For Life project is doing to help those in need.

But the star, who grew up in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, insists some rappers’ downtrodden upbringings pale in comparison to the poverty he witnessed on his trip.

He says, “Rappers say they’re from the hood. They’re not. Bella is from the hood.

“She’s that girl in the village in Africa who wakes up every morning to get water for her family. The water she carries is half her body weight. There is no bathroom in her house. Just listening to that, don’t you feel it puts everything into perspective? Being in Africa shows you how small the world is and puts everything into focus.”

And the star is determined to use his fame and fortune to ensure he makes a difference in the world: “If I can use my celebrity status to bring awareness to something, I will. Giving is the purest form of charity, and without sounding cheesy, I like to give - it makes me feel good.”