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Jay-Z
The Black Album
2003, Roc-A-Fella

THE BLACK ALBUM is not the best Jay-Z album. It's not even my favorite. But it was wholly important to me when it came out. Leading up until its release I had very seriously lost interest/respect for major label hip hop. And who could blame me, really? So I just stopped paying attention for the most part. I had still been keeping up with Jay, and actually liked THE BLUEPRINT 2 before this one quite a bit. But also realized it was way too bloated and hit or miss.

But THE BLACK ALBUM was something else entirely. It was first of all well publicized due to Jay's supposed retirement. But most importantly it was a lean, tight album. It showcased all different producers rather than giving the bulk of work to one. You'd think this would scramble it up, but no. It somehow works to its favor. Instead we get a survey of Hova. There's the crack-rap intensity of "Threat" rubbing elbows with the pop-rap bullshiz of "Justify My Thug" and the sexy sexy Neptunes track "Change Clothes" is just as at home as RR's magnificent "99 Problems."

And here's what I remember most about THE BLACK ALBUM's release: EVERYBODY LOVED IT. The indie kids I knew loved it. The hardcore hip hop fans loved it. The non-rap fans loved it. Everybody loved it. It was a completely inviting and unifying rap album. It gave everybody soemthing to talk about. Which is rare for an album, and often rarer for a hip hop album. When was the last time before this album that everybody from every interest in music could agree on a hip hop album? ENTER THE WU-TANG? THE CHRONIC? At any rate, it's rare.

What's even better is that the album is actually pretty weird and unique and personal. The opening track feature's Jay's mom for crying out loud. And she praises him for learning how to ride a two-wheel bike. I mean THAT IS "keeping it REAL." That's real life. It's subtle and banal. But it's real. The closing track finds Jay rapping in double time openly admitting that the chorus of the song is taken from a Biggie interview. Again -- realness. He is who he is -- and he's someone who idolizes Big. Real.

Luckily Jay didn't reatire. He has since released an album that I think is even better than this one (AMERICAN GANGSTER), but this one will always sort of remind me of that year when every single person I met (including my wife) was someone who owned this album, and had a favorite Jay-Z song.

[The Earl Of Slander]

I wish I could rep you for this. Seriously on the ball post. Yes, Jay has released artistically better/more perfect albums (Reasonable Doubt, American Gangster), and more 'important' ones, rap genealogy wise (The Blueprint), but The Black Album will always have a special place in my heart because it totally embodies Jay-Z the ICON. No, I don't flat out love every track, but hen you hear like December 4th or 99 Problems, any complaints about incoherency, stealing other peoples rhymes, not being a absolutely KNOCKOUT technical rapper a lot of the time, whatever, simply don't matter, because he's just the king. He is hip-hop charisma and swagger just embodied, and you can't argue that he doesn't deserve it. And this is an album made up of a shockingly diverse palette of rap production and style circa 2004, veering wildly around, while still hitting that feeling of 'I Am The Game' on pretty much the vast majority of those tracks. All on what, as you said, is a remarkably tight release for a major label hip-hop album. Masterful. I'm going to go listen to it now.

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word. Tracks like "Lucifer" "PSA" and "Threat" I'm just feeling like -- yeah, THIS IS WHY he is part of the Biggie/Pac lineage. Unstoppable and deserves it.

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BTW, my favorite album is a tie between The Blueprint and American Gangster. Also Blueprint 3 is incredible, and his last verse on "Thank You" is the best of his career maybe.

[finding nobody]

I really like The Grey Album. But, I never did hear this one. I'll give it a shot..
EDIT- grey album is totaly in my sig right now.ha

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Grey Album is great. Yes. But not as great. "PSA" and "What More Can I Say" remixes are better than originals, but none of the other remixes are as good as teh originals, even if they are well done.

[viewtiful alan redux]

This is the only 'classic' Jay-Z album I don't have.... there is no good reason for this I know. Its one of those things where there's always something that catches my eye more, and I know the black album isn't going anywhere... and I never find a bargain... one of these days I'll get it and be late to the party.

[Dr. Eugene Felikson]

It's alright...

Dirt Off Your Shoulder is a classic.

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Originally Posted by viewtiful alan redux

This is the only 'classic' Jay-Z album I don't have.... there is no good reason for this I know. Its one of those things where there's always something that catches my eye more, and I know the black album isn't going anywhere... and I never find a bargain... one of these days I'll get it and be late to the party.

OMG man, you of all ppl should own this. C'mon.