And once again, Hov proves why he’s winning.

In a clean white tuxedo and sharp black bowtie,  Jay (without the dash)  Z covers the November issue of Vanity Fair. While speaking to contributing editor Lisa Robinson, Hov reveals what he learned from his former drug dealing days, life in Marcy and bagging Beyonce.

What Being A Drug Dealer Taught Him

“I know about budgets. I was a drug dealer.  To be in a drug deal, you need to know what you can spend, what you need to re-up.”

Growing Up In Brooklyn

Crack was everywhere—it was inescapable. There wasn’t any place you could go for isolation or a break. You go in the hallway; [there are] crackheads in the hallway. You look out in the puddles on the curbs—crack vials are littered in the side of the curbs. You could smell it in the hallways, that putrid smell; I can’t explain it, but it’s still in my mind when I think about it.”

How He Bagged The Hottest Chick In The Game

“We were just beginning to try to date each other.” Try? “Well, you know, you’ve got to try first. You got to dazzle . . . wine and dine.” He tells Robinson that “of course” he pursued Beyoncé, and when asked if he hadn’t been Jay Z—say, he had been a gas-station attendant and she pulled up—would he have been able to date her, he responds, “If I’m as cool as I am, yes. But she’s a charming Southern girl, you know, she’s not impressed.

So gentlemen, the lesson here is don’t be whack and you two can have your own Beyonce!

Mr. Carter kicks off his Magna Carta Tour Holy Grail Tour Nov. 30