"The average rap life is two or three albums. You're lucky to get to your second album in rap!"

Jay-Z is recommending that the life of a rap artist is often short-lived. He is stating that the average rap artist only releases 2 or 3 albums before their career is over. He is suggesting that it is a tough market to remain in and that it is a terrific achievement to make it to a 2nd album. He is also suggesting that rap artists must be grateful for the opportunity to make it to a second album, as it is not a guarantee. This quote is a suggestion to rap artists to appreciate the opportunities they have and to maximize them. It is likewise a tip to the market that rap artists need to be given more opportunities to prosper and to have longer professions.