^gets better with age.
the Vols 1-3 era were so meh for Jay's work. Honestly I think IN MY LIFETIME was his worst album (until KINGDOM COME). HARD KNOCK LIFE was slightly better, but certainly uneven. And LIFE AND TIMES is basically some book-ended good tracks with a crappy core. I just really can't get into the "party rap" vibe he was in during this time. Especially when REASONABLE DOUBT preceded it, and THE BLUEPRINT followed.