I’ve become cynical about  celebrity dads announcing their take on fatherhood. I think it has something to do with all those images of Charlie Sheen’s kids being flanked by porn stars. After reading Jay-Z’s thoughts on being a dad, however, I was genuinely impressed. In the recent issue of GQ Magazine, the mega-rapper and businessman spent nearly half of the full-feature interview talking on the matter, and it’s clear he’s got his priorities straight.

Jay-Z, who Forbes estimates to be worth $475 Million, was clear in stating that simply providing for your family isn’t love. What is then?

“Being there—that’s more important. I mean, we see that. We see that with all these rich socialites. They’re crying out for attention; they’re hurting for love. I’m not being judgmental—I’m just making an observation. They’re crying out for the love that maybe they didn’t get at home, and they got everything. All the material things that they need and want. So we know that’s not the key.”

And Jay-Z knows what being there as a father means, and what can happen if he’s not. When he was a 11, his father, Adnis Reeves, walked out after becoming an alcoholic in the wake of his brother’s murder. What makes this all the more tragic is that, according to Jay-Z, Reeves was a good father.

“If your dad died before you were born, yeah, it hurts—but it’s not like you had a connection with something that was real,” Jay says. “Not to say it’s any better—but to have that connection and then have it ripped away was, like, the worst. My dad was such a good dad that when he left, he left a huge scar. He was my superhero.”

It wasn’t until 2003 that father and son would meet face-to-face; a month later Reeves died from his fight with alcohol.

Based on his experience growing up, I don’t think there’s any doubt that when Jay-Z says he plans on being an involved father, it’s because his publicist put it down on a 3×5 for him to pull out during interviews. In fact, fatherhood has been on Jay-Z’s mind for a while.

Prior to knowing he and wife, Beyoncé Knowles, were expecting, Jay-Z wrote the song “New Day” which can be found on the recently released album, Watch the Throne. At the beginning he starts by apologizing for all the complications that come from being born into a celebrity family. Sorry, Junior, I already ruined ya / ‘Cause you ain’t even alive, paparazzi pursuin’ ya) But then Jay-Z finishes with the vow that is so personal to him. “Promise to never leave him, even if his mama tweakin’ /

The interview ends with a question as to whether the GQ Man of the Year will be changing any diapers.

“Of course, of course. One hundred percent.”

Somehow, I believe him.

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