"Success," for instance, takes its lead from The Black Album's "Public Service Announcement," with blaring organ over heavily weighted drum knocks, yet despite the likeness, it's one of the album's highlights. it all adds up to an album that seems nearly out of time, at least when it comes to the years spanning Jay-Z's career, without resembling a true regression.
Combined with the tracks laced with '70s soul - including six produced by Diddy & LV & Sean C, one by Toomp, and two by a newly forged partnership between Jermaine Dupri and No I.D.
While several tracks connected to specific scenes are also rooted in productions trading in the regal grit that made up so much '70s soul, the album is not a straight narrative, broken up by tracks like the boom-clap of "Hello Brooklyn 2.0" (produced by Bigg D) and the glitzed-out pair of "I Know" (a half-icing Neptunes layer cake) and "Ignorant Shit" (where Just Blaze transforms the Isleys' quiet storm staple "Between the Sheets" into a high-gloss anthem). We are now alongside some of the greatest writers in history.Fortunately, both came unexpectedly - rather than by desperate force - after he saw an advance screening of the early-'70s period piece American Gangster, which played a direct role in nine of the songs on this album of the same name. I remember when rap was said to be a fad. Even though in the past he has revealed much through songs like “Lost Ones”, “Mama Loves Me”, “American Gangster” and list of other songs you’re gonna have to search for yourselves.lol Thanks for reading.īy the way, this is a win for US. What did we rate Hov’s 13th Studio album? A cool 10 and here’s why: Unlike other albums you may or may not have heard in the past, this one was more personal and transparent. Without a doubt some would say this is one Jay Z’s best albums in years and we’d have to agree with them based on listening experience, and not popular opinion for the record. There’s other tracks on 444 we diggin’ as well such as: “Moonlight”, “Kill Jay Z” and Marcy Me”. He spoke on other things as well on this song but that stood out the most. In this song he revealed how is mom had to hide in the closet because of her preference of gender-choice which was mind blowing to the internet that he’d reveal something like this.ĭuring a interview with Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson, Jay was asked how did his mom feel about the record and told Wilson that “She Didn’t Like It” at first but later came around about it. Well, yet again Jay Z let fans into somethings you wouldn’t have known 15-years ago. What compelled Jay Z to make a song like this? The sad reality is even with all the riches and glories in this world today (Not saying there can’t be a better tomorrow), people of color rich or poor has experienced domination by way of a lack of knowledge/unfair practices by the higher-ups in this country.ģ.Jay Z “Smile” featuring Gloria Carter, Produced By NO I.D.: Upon clicking the play button on Tidal, we heard the beautiful voice of the greatest composer of all time Stevie Wonder, and said “Okay, where’s he going with this?”. Sean Carter has grown financially and maturely with tracks like this pointing out how black people in America need to grasp hold of economic power among others things he touched on. It doesn’t get any better than one of your favorite MC’s touching the people with his truth and that’s what Jay did on track 6 on the 444 album.Ģ.Jay Z “Oj Story” which is another track produced by NO I.D.: When you come from Marcy projects in Brooklyn, NY, and you’re a rapper, your 1st five solo albums will pretty much sound like the struggle that came with it.
Jay Z was a bit more transparent with his core audience about real life issues he’s faced as a full time family man. Are you ready? Lets go get’em!ġ.Jay Z “Family Feud” featuring wife Beyoncé and produced by NO I.D.: We’ve heard tracks leading up to this banger right here however, this beat with Beyoncé looping in the background easily grabbed our ears. So, we decided to share our best songs off of Jay Z’s 13th studio album in no particular order. We’ve had a few months to consume Jay Z’s 444album and with even the man himself breaking down each song track for track, there’s still no way you can grasp a complete body of work within a short period of time.