Jay-Z Admits to Shooting His Brother as a Youth

As Jay-Z celebrates the release of his new book, 'Decoded,' the Brooklyn MC is also shedding some emotional weight hanging over him by disclosing details about the childhood shooting of his brother. Jay, born Shaun Carter, opened fire on his drug-addicted brother at the age of 12, reports The Guardian.

In The Guardian's 'Weekend' magazine, the Roc Nation head honcho admits he pulled the gun's trigger after his older sibling stole a ring from him. "I thought my life was over," Jay-Z reveals. "I thought I'd go to jail forever."

Lucky for Hov, he didn't land behind bars. His brother forgave him for the shooting and even apologized for the narcotics troubles that lead to the incident when the rapper came to visit him in the hospital. An account of the ordeal can be heard on Jay's track 'You Must Love Me,' as he raps, "Saw the devil in your eyes, high off more than weed, confused, I just closed my young eyes and squeezed."

Growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant housing projects in Brooklyn forced Jigga to recognize the presence of illegal weapons as a natural part of life. "Guns were everywhere," the 40-year-old star explains. "You didn't have to go far to get one. Just everywhere. [Guns] were around every day. There were shootouts, but I never shot anyone else. Most people in shootouts don't get shot."