When Jay-Z talks, hip-hop listens. That commanding presence comes not only from him being one of the most respected MC’s in the game, but also because of the business pursuits that have made him a leader in the community. Hopefully this latest piece of wisdom will not fall on deaf ears.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Jay was asked what’s changed in hip-hop, and why the lyrical content has been somewhat watered down. Jay pinpointed a lack of emotion, and a lack of time spent penning lyrics.

“We have to find our way back to true emotion. This is going to sound so sappy, but love is the only thing that stands the test of time.

“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was all about love. Andre 3000, The Love Below. Even NWA, at its core, that was about love for a neighborhood.

“We’re chasing a lot of sounds now, but I’m not hearing anyone’s real voice. The emotion of where you are in your life. The mortgage scandal. People losing their jobs. I want to hear about that.”

I can’t really imagine Waka Flocka spitting sixteen about his mortgage payments, but…it’s definitely a valid point and a good suggestion.

Jay is currently in promotion of his new book Decoded which hits stores on November 16th. Co-Written by Dream Hampton, the book breaks down the meaning behind the lyrics of some of Jay’s biggest hits.