As much as we might root against it for our favorite musicians, change is a good thing. Life is filled with dozens of important events that alter a person’s outlook. From moving out of your parents’ house to getting married to having children, these moments have a way of softening long-held viewpoints or changing them entirely. Jay-Z is the latest rapper to trade in nights out for time with the family, and if this new work is any indication, he’s determined to grow up for the betterment of his little girl.

NME has gotten its hands on a poem written by Jay-Z that honors his daughter Blue Ivy, but its not the tribute as much as the implication that’s gotten fans talking. In the poem, the musician vows to no longer use the word “bitch”. Given the sheer number of hits he has which feature the putdown, that’s a promise with tangible consequences. Here’s a look at his words…

"Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich
I didn’t think hard about using the word bitch
I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it
Now with my daughter in this world I curse those that give it.
No man will degrade her, or call her name.
I'm so focused on your future, the degradation has passed.
I wish you wealth, health and insight. Forever young you may pass.
Blue Ivy Carter, my angel"

No doubt there will be some who criticize Jay-Z for this decision, even accuse him of turning his back on the musician he once was, but everyone is entitled to grow up at some point. Those who don’t are often the ones left on the outside looking in. If Jay-Z thinks dropping the word “bitch” from his vocabulary will make him a more focused father to Blue Ivy and caring husband to Beyonce, I’m all for it. Everyone shows maturity in different ways, and everyone must sacrifice differently to become the man he wants to be.

So, here’s to Jay-Z. May fatherhood bring you more joy than you ever thought possible.