Jay-Z

The Black Album

Roc-A-Fella, 2003

Rating: 8.5/10



Jay-Z this and Jay-Z that. He's everywhere. He's exactly where he wants to be. The Black Album leaked over the net before it's original date, Nov. 28th (Black Friday), and prompted an early release from Hova. The best beat makers were recruited to end Jay-Z's legacy as the best emcee since Biggie or Tupac. The first two tracks, 'Intro' and 'December 4th', are produced by Just Blaze. Flowing strings starts off 'December 4th' while Jay-Z's mother, Gloria Carter, tells the story of his childhood. "I'm Supposed to be number one on everybody's list / We'll See what happens when I no longer exist." He raps on 'What More Can I Say', reiterating he's got the gift. A hustler with a CEO's mind.

'Encore' is a hot track. He teases us that he's leaving the game when it's hot but with lyrics about coming back like Jordan you know it's only a matter of time when Jay will be dropping more platinum hits. 'Change Clothes', the first single, is produced by the Neptunes. Of course Pharrell would be singing the chorus in his falsetto style. It's not as tight as I'd hoped for but it does the job. The next track is what will be playing in all the clubs. This has Timbaland's seal of approval and you will find yourself blasting the bass on this track. Next up is Eminem's 'Moments of Clarity'. I can't be the only one who finds this track weak. I just don't feel it. At first listen, you know it's all Eminem (minor chord and all that). I do like Jay's verse though. He is open about his father's death and wanting to rhyme like Common Sense. '99 Problems', cow bells and all, is a hit. Some may think this as misogynistic tale. Jay is saying that although he has 99 problems, the media and the police ain't one. Again Just Blaze's production is too hot on 'Public Service Announcement (Interlude)'. Several straightforward verse comes from Jay where he lay's claim to being the music biz number one supplier. He chimes that he's no saint and wants everyone to know it. The next single should be 'Lucifer'. Kanye West saved his best samples for Hov. You will be shaking your ass definitely. I had to give DJ Quik and the second Neptunes track a few listen to feel it. The last song of the album, 'My 1st Song' by unknown producers Aqua and Joe "3H" Weinberger is decent. Jay raps Biggie's words "The key to staying, on top of things is treat everything like it's your first project."

Where this album was suppose to be like the Reasonable Doubt of '03 it comes off more like The Blueprint. His story is not over. Best believe this isn't Jay-Z's last. He's just taking time out for other endeavors (The Nets?). Sure enough Jigga will be back with another hit.

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