Jay-Z's Epic Reply to the 'Dinner With Jay-Z or $500K' Meme: You Won't Believe His Choice!

Jay-Z attends the Shawn Carter Foundation 20th Anniversary Black Tie Gala at Pier 60 on July 14, 2023 in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

Jay-Z, 53, recently discussed the popular "Lunch With Jay-Z or $500,000 cash" meme in a preview of his interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. When asked about his thoughts on the matter, Jay-Z advised that taking the money would be the better choice. Despite the potential value of his street smarts and Wall Street knowledge, which Forbes estimates to be worth $500,000 given his net worth of $2.5 billion in 2023, the renowned rapper expressed that he has already shared his secrets with others.

"You got all that in the music for just $10.99," he remarked, referring to the standard Tidal subscription fee. (His original "9.99" lyric from "The Story of OJ" mentioned the streaming subscription's price in 2017.) Beyonce's husband emphasized that exchanging the money for a meal would be unfavorable and that he would not advise settling for a disadvantageous deal.

"Take $500,000. Purchase some albums and immerse yourself in their content. It's all there. If you carefully piece it together and truly listen to the music, you will find the meaningful words and the essence of what I intended. Every prediction I made came true. Every objective I set for myself, I have achieved. The blueprint, my life and journey, is already laid out there."

"The Story of OJ," featured on Jay-Z's 2017 album 4:44, serves as an illustrative example of Jay-Z generously sharing his wisdom. In his lyrics, he advises, "I pleaded with him, 'Please refrain from sacrificing your life for the neighborhood / That your mother is temporarily residing in / Utilize your illicit funds to invest in the community / This is how you truly prosper.'" By expressing this sentiment, Jay-Z conveys the notion that real estate holds more value and potential for long-term growth than superficial possessions or ventures.

Furthermore, Jay-Z reminisces on his own life choices, confessing, "I acquired a fleet of V12 engines / How I yearn to reverse my actions / If only I had purchased a property in DUMBO during its nascent stages / At a mere cost of 2 million dollars." He continues, "Presently, that very same edifice is appraised at a staggering 25 million dollars / Can you fathom the euphoria that engulfs me? Dumbo."

Jay-Z's musical career has been fairly quiet, with 4:44 being his most recent solo album. In 2018, he released Everything Is Love, a collaboration with Beyonce. While he hasn't been releasing much music, Jay-Z has made a few guest appearances on songs by DJ Khaled, Pusha T, and Jay Electronica.

In 2021, Jay-Z collaborated with the late Nipsey Hussle on "What It Feels Like" for the soundtrack of Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album. He also made a return to Instagram in August, sharing a trailer for The Book of Clarence. This comedy film, starring Lakeith Stanfield, is one of Jay-Z's productions, and he also contributed to its soundtrack.