Quiz: How Well Do You Know Jay Z’s “December 4th?” Lyrxo

Jay Z wants you to know that every year on this date—December 4—is his birthday. Why else would he name the second track from his retirement fake-out The Black Album after the day he touched down on planet Earth? It’s like the musician equivalent of incorporating your b-day into your Instagram handle. Of course when “December 4th” dropped back in 2003, there was no Instagram—or Twitter, or Snapchat—so birthdays were pretty much committed to memory. Or, apparently, song titles. And thus, “December 4th” was born. Happy birthday, Hov!

Jay Z’s autobiographical track adds to the legendary MC’s mythology thanks to his lucid storytelling and anecdotal commentary from his mother, Gloria Carter. But how well do you know the life and times of Shawn Carter, as told by “December 4th?” Lyrxo compiled a pop quiz on the hip-hop calendar staple. Click the multiple choice answers below (without checking the lyrics!) to find out how well you know this classic. —John Kennedy


1. According to Gloria Carter, how much did Jay Z weigh as a baby?
A. 10 pounds, 4 ounces
B. 4 pounds, 10 ounces
C. 8 pounds, 10 ounces
D. 10 pounds, 8 ounces

2. How old was Jay when he taught himself how to ride a two-wheel bike?
A. 2
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6

3. What brand of car does Jay Z reference in the second verse?
A. Beamer
B. Benz
C. Bentley
D. Volvo

4. Who introduced Jay Z to “’caine?”
A. Jaz O
B. Adnes Reeves
C. Spanish Jose
D. DeHaven