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Jay-Z - The Black Album

post #1 of 5
11/4/03 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
Well, this was released to the internet last night, and I got a hold of it and listened a few times.

My thoughts?

Beat-wise? Better than every Jay album except The Blueprint. The Rick Rubin collabo is GOLD. He manages to make Eminem's lackluster production work (probably the only really weak beat on the album) with a sick flow.

lyrically? He's having A LOT of fun with the wordplay on this album. Obviously, he's not going to get too deep, but, for Jay, he at least varies the subject matter a lot.

Flow? I'd say he's one of the top 5 mainstream rappers right now in terms of flow, he does a great job on this one as well...

The standout tracks, for those of you with Soulseek/Kazaa, whatever?

Encore (prod. Kanye West)
Threat (prod. 9th Wonder) - this song is why he didn't need Primo on this album
99 Problems (prod. Rick Rubin) - So much fun
Lucifer (prod. Kanye West)
My 1st song (prod. Aqua)

overall, after initial listens, I'd say it's not quite on the level of The Blueprint, but equal to Reasonable Doubt

edit: While I was writing this, I got an url for download if you want at it, check here
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post #2 of 5
11/16/03 at 7:39pm
Thread Starter 
So, did anyone actually pick this one up? I went to many stores on friday, but apparently, Canada is ass backward and isn't getting the disc untill the 25th.

After a week or so of serious listens, I have no problem at all calling this his second best album, and one of the best of 2003(top 5 easily, with JayLib, Outkast, Kanye West's "I'm Good" Mixtape, and Nappy Roots rounding out the rest). While lyrically he still isn't you're average 'consious' rapper, he has matured since his 'imaginary player' days.

In terms of mainstream rap, this album is as good as it gets folks. He manages to mix the club songs with the street bangers, and even through in a few little surprises (99 Problems is THAT SHIT!!!). Unlike 50, he can still toe that line between the gun talk (which he's cut down to a real minimum), the pimp shit, and actually having something to say ("moment of clarity" and "justify my thug")
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post #3 of 5
11/16/03 at 10:12pm
Having Picked up Jigga and G-Unit, I have to say that the Jay-Z disc is the superior of the two.

I like Moment of Clarity and Lucifer the best. 99 Problems is somethin different from Jay. Almost makes me think of a Beastie Boys song (that really isn't a stretch since Rubin is producing.)
Overall a good album. Best of the year. Maybe. But outside of Obie Trice, Outkast, and Nappy Roots, it has been a week year for rap. Oh and a big shout to Jigga for droppin a Gladiator dialogue sample on What More Can I Say.

The G-Unit disc is just a retread of 50 Cent's cd. Or more precisely it's Fitty and Friends. He is most def the standout lyricist of the crew, but all the beats sound the same and it gets real repetitive real fast. My Buddy is my favorite track on the disc, strictly because of the Scarface reference at the beginning and how they keep sayin "Say Ello to My Little Friend"

overall
Jay-Z- 4/5
G-Unit - 2.5/5
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post #4 of 5
11/17/03 at 10:42am
I had a $100 gift card a best buy last friday and still didnt pick up the Jay-Z black album. well for one they were selling it for $14.

it wasnt until sunday that they were dropping the price to $9.99.

and that I think Jay-Z's first release is utter garbage. I'd need to hear the entire album before I made a rash purchase.
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post #5 of 5
11/26/03 at 12:57am
This album was very dissapointing. With the exception of 99 problems, Encore and maybe Lucifer there's not one real standout track. I expected more from Jay especially since I love The Blueprint and Reasonable Doubt dearly. It's not a total waste of money but I don't see the cd getting airtime often in the car or home.
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