In what he claims to be his final release as a musical performer, Jay-Z drops THE BLACK ALBUM, a sprawling, ambitious effort that rivals the best work of the rapper's already legendary career. Working with a who's who of hip-hop's most high-profile producers, the outrageously talented MC adjusts his flow and subject matter to the wildly varied tracks, proving once again just how gifted he is as a wordsmith.
From the epic "What More Can I Say" (a collaboration with the Buchannans) to the brutally honest, Eminem-produced "Moment of Clarity," THE BLACK ALBUM bleeds with inspiration. Other highlights include the fuel-injected "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" (featuring Timbaland behind the board), the club-ready "Change Clothes" (which sports the Neptunes' trademark beats), and the old-school stomp of "99 Problems" (with pioneering hip-hop producer Rick Rubin).
It makes one wonder how an artist at the peak of his craft could willingly put the microphone down. Hopefully, time out of the spotlight will remind Shawn Carter why he became successful in the first place, and find him back in the studio.
Track List:
A1. Interlude
A2. December 4th
A3. What More Can I Say
A4. Encore
B1. Change Clothes
B2. Dirt Off Your Shoulder
B3. Threat
B4. Moment Of Clarity
C1. 99 Problems
C2. Interlude
C3. Justify My Thug
D1. Lucifer
D2. Allure
D3. My 1st Song
Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
Country: US
Genre: Hip Hop
Style:
Roc-A-Fella Records