The album's theme stems from a quote from Jay-Z's grandmother, Hattie White, featured on the album at the end of track 10 "Freedom", when she says, "I had my ups and downs, but I always find the inner strength to pull myself up.
Tema album ini tercetus dari kutipan nenek Jay-Z, Hattie White, yang ditampilkan dalam album di akhir lagu 10 "Freedom", ketika dia berkata, "Saya mengalami pasang surut, tetapi saya selalu menemukan kekuatan batin untuk menarik diri.