"By the time I got to record my first album, I was 26, I didn't need pen or paper - my memory had been trained just to listen to a song, think of the words, and lay them to tape"

This quote by Jay-Z talks to the power of practice and dedication. By the time he was 26, he had actually trained his memory to the point where he no longer needed to make a note of lyrics. He had the ability to listen to a tune and instantly think of the words and record them. This speaks to the quantity of time and effort he had put into sharpening his craft. He had been listening to and writing music for several years, and his effort had actually settled. He was able to tape-record his very first album without the need for pen and paper, relying exclusively on his memory. This quote is a testament to the power of dedication and practice. It reveals that with enough hard work and devotion, anybody can achieve their objectives.