The Black Album [PA] by Jay-Z

Pros: "Lucifer", "99 Problems", Jay's on point for most of the album.
Cons: "Justify My Thug", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", occasional laziness.

Before the haters chime in, let me get one thought off here: Jay-Z is a talented dude. Call him a sellout, call him responsible for commercializing rap, call him a big-lipped, commercial pop rapper-but don't sleep on his skills. Besides, none of the ...

Pros: Clean sounding and he's focused man
Cons: A few missteps. No Dre. No Primo

You talk to Jay-Z fans and while they like much of his stuff, they always talk about Reasonable Doubt. When is he going to make another record like that? It's his most classic record. It's street. It's gangster. It's his best. But it didn't really ...

Pros: Jay-Z; lyrics; lack of guests; production
Cons: could have been more...

It would be ridiculous to spend frivolous review time recapping and dissecting Shawn Carter's career. It's been done, and by better than I - i'm more of a hip-hop fan than historian, and while I'm fairly familiarized with schools both old and new, the ...

Pros: production is great, jay is always great
Cons: change clothes and go

”I was conceived by Gloria carter and adnes reeves/ who made love under the sycamore tree/ so which makes me a more sicker emcee/ and my momma would claim that at ten pounds when I was born I didn’t give her no pain” – Jay-Z on “Dec ...

Pros: Stunning production, sharp rhymes, no guests.
Cons: Change Clothes & Go, too many Biggie references (again), needs tweaking.

Jay-Z. The name by itself is bound to form all kinds of divides within the Hip Hop community. Quite simply, everyone has an opinion on one of rap’s biggest ever selling artists. The same goes for the various Epinions Hip Hop heads. My stance is a stra ...

Pros: An excellent album with dope production, dope lyrics, interesting concepts, and introspection.
Cons: There are a few misteps; the materalistic and gangsta braggadocio gets tiring after a while.

We can argue whether or not he is the best emcee of all time for days, but to say that Jay-Z hasn't made a big impact on the Hip-Hop world is a straight-up boldface lie. From 1996 to 2003, he had released seven albums, all of them being notable in the ...

Pros: Three club hits and two good songs. Lyrical complexity. Whoa, he said "tabernacle".
Cons: Still hasn't gotten off Biggie's dick. Too much boasting. Defends selling out... amongst other things.

I would never claim I'm the most objective person on Earth, so let me start off by explaining why I hate Jay-Z – or as people here in Canada call him, Jay-Zed. I started listening to hip-hop because of Tupac Shakur, but right when I was ...

Pros: An autobiographical story of triumphs, tribulations, and fortitude
Cons: Nobody's Perfect

I understand now... When I reviewed The Black Album in 2003, I had not yet established myself as "somebody", and while I've always preached to all of my friends to be happy and be confident and accomplish whatever goal you wanted to ...

Pros: Some Brilliant Production, Some VERY Surprising Lyricism, No Guests.
Cons: The Neptunes, Timbaland, Still some bad lyricism from Jay-Z and no DJ Premier.

So nearly ten years later and eight albums deep Jay-Z has come to his “end” with his last offering called The Black Album. Having just heard this album this evening I am pleasantly surprised with the outcome (but not over the ...

Pros: Jay's "on" for pretty much the whole album.
Cons: Some questionable beat choices and relatively forgettable songs

I think I've probably mentioned something to this effect in most of my past Jay-Z album reviews, but there seems to be a fairly common perception among hip-hop fans (either that or I just spend waaay too much time on the Internet) that the guy only ...

Pros: Vintage (Good) Jay-z.
Cons: Production, no DJ Premier.

Not too long ago did Jay-z announce that he was going to retire and that "The Black Album" was going to be his last. He claim that this album would have a pre-RD feel to it (sort of a prequel to his debut album), with 12 songs produced by his 12 f ...

Pros: Some impressive, introspective lyrical content. Production is generally top notch. No guest slots. Surprisingly good.
Cons: Commercialism, Some awful production. Lack of Primo and Dre beats. Original, quality ideas dismissed. Overhyped.

“If you can’t respect that, your whole perspective is whack… Maybe you’ll love me when I fade to black…”- Jay Z: December 4’th. Jay Z is one of hip hop’s most confusing enigmas. With a shrewd ...

Pros: Some excellent production; Jay-Z drops some killer rhymes in spots
Cons: Too commercial; Jay-Z doesn’t stay lyrically genius and tight throughout the whole thing

The Main Idea: Hip-Hop changed a lot in the 90’s and had a lot of innovators come along and change the game and had a lot of useless artists come along and downgrade hip-hop. But there was one man that did his share of both and he goes by the ...

Pros: The second best album of Hov's career. On point lyrics and great production.
Cons: An average track or two.

Brooklyn native Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, has had quite the career as a hip-hop artist. After releasing his career defining album Reasonable Doubt as a debut in 1996, that raw hunger he possessed seem to disappear on subsequent records. ...

Pros: The production by everyone but The Neptunes and Timbaland. Some tight bars by Jay-Z.
Cons: Too many for such an excellent artist.

Jay-Z, Jigga, S. Carter, Hova, Jay Hova, or whatever else you want to call him has now released his last album. Yeah right has there ever been a self-imposed retirement that's stuck in the hip-hop industry, I don't think so. Like much of Jay-Z's ...

Pros: A well-done swan song
Cons: Slow-moving concepts, some bad lyrics

When you have the colossal impact on rap and its surrounding culture like Jay-Z does; you will understand the pressuring of the inevitable retirement which Jigga haughtily decided to form into a hyped-up gimmick to spread attention and sales. Fortunately ...

Pros: Excellent production. Jay-Z.
Cons: Far from ground breaking.

First up a big thankyou to Jay-Z is in order. Rather than continue on embarrassingly like leading artists in other genres, Jigga (aka Shawn Carter), has decided to wrap his career up while he is still on top. This album (unless he changes his mind) is to ...

Pros: Good, epic production; December 4th & 99 Problems; solid
Cons: Some stupid production, filler, didn't live up to expectations

The Black Album has been widely debated about since the day it got leaked. Everybody agrees it’s not a classic. But some say it is a solid 4 stars, similar to The Blueprint. Some say it’s merely average, and a disappointing end to ...

Pros: Excellent Production, Jay is back on point lyrically
Cons: About three tracks that I could have done without

Jay-Z is a liar, a hypocrite…….. but a d*mn good rapper. I could waste a lot of time by going into his accolades, but I’m sure you have read them in the other reviews. I don’t think Jay is a god, and I don’t think he is a top ...

Pros: Amazing lyrics once again, some banging beats
Cons: Not feeling some songs

This is sadly Jay-Z's last album (or he says). He has said this numerous times before and he didn't retire. Well I hope he was bluffing again but I think he isn't. Well without a doubt if he is going out he goes out with a stat line like no other. ...

Pros: Some great lyricism and production, mostly above average songs.
Cons: What happened to Primo and Dre? Some shoddy production and lyricism plus some repetitive bragging.

During the late 1990’s/ early 2000’s Jay-Z had become one of the most powerful figures in hip hop, selling millions of copies and inspiring many commercial rappers. However, hip hop heads were angry because of the fact he only did this by selling ...

Pros: Excellent Songs, Excellent Production, Excellent Lyrics...anyone see a pattern here?
Cons: Inviting Eminem to be a producer, tracklisting needs a little tweaking.

This album is Jay-Z's magnum opus...his last hurrah. As with anything that Mr. Shawn Carter puts his hands on, there is a lot of hype surrounding it, and the expectations are high. Well, to be honest, after hearing a bad quality version of "What More ...

Pros: Lyrics, production, a few classics
Cons: Some tired subject matter

The word 'retirement' is tossed around far too much in the world of hip hop. At one point or another, a rapper's last hurrah behind the mic is usually dismissed as speculation. Few artists, if any have successfully kept their word and left the game for ...

Pros: Not much guest appearances, versatility, various producers
Cons: A couple ok songs, not a classic album but definitely a great career.

Interlude (Produced By Just Blaze) 1:21 A very warped style, spaced out beat. Basically I believe this is a sample from some movie of the narrator basically saying all good things must come to an end. December 4th (Produced By Just ...

Pros: Lyrics, Kanye West, & Just Blaze
Cons: Some production decisions & subject matter

First I must start this review off by mentioning I am a Jay-Z fan. With that said I will try to give the most unbiased review I can; unlike some of my counterparts. I also must mention I am a fan of different forms of rap from Talib Kweli to Three Six Maf ...

Pros: wordplay, some great songs, his flow
Cons: some tracks are very commercial, Change Clothes production tedious sometimes

Love or hate him the prolific Jay-Z returns with his 8th studio album actually this equates to 9 albums if the Best Of Both Worlds collabo is included. Since 1996 when the classic if then overlooked Reasonable Doubt was released Jay-Z has released a new ...

Pros: Production, It's Jay!!!
Cons: Neptunes, "Justify My Thug", Jay's last CD?...

Ok, to the point since you all know who Jay-Z is. If you don't, who cares? you're here to read a review. I was expecting a lot since this was to be Jay's last album. I was expecting a lot since Jay said he would be returning to his roots (Reasonable ...

Pros: Great production, amazing lyrics at times, no guests, a couple classic songs
Cons: Several strictly mediocre songs, too egotistical, NO PRIMO!!!

Jay's final album. It's been a long and beautiful career for the man from Marcy, and now he drops his final album: The Black Album. It's supposed to be excellent, top-notch.... eh, not quite. But it's still quite good. Production is great, and ...

Pros: Lyrics, good production on most songs, something to appeal to most rap fans
Cons: Every song can't be a winner

El Presidente, Jay-z could also be called portrait of a 2k Hustler. Hip hop's Cinderfella, and there is no sign of the clock striking midnight. There once was a young boy from Brooklyn, and he learned at the feet of Grand Master Kane. Because the ...

Pros: Jay's flow. Great and purposeful production.
Cons: Eminem

Please feel free to Email me willsoulwonder@hotmail.com with any feedback There are those who think that Reasonable Doubt and the Blueprint are Jay-z’s greatest achievements. And then I ask myself why? 2 two things have happened since the ...

Pros: some nice tracks. Lack of guest appearences.
Cons: Some filler.

Well i know i'm a little late with this review but i was just listening to this cd on my way home and i got kinda into it. So bye bye to mr. Jay-z. So many good songs......and he leaves us on this cd with a few more. The best thing about this album in my ...

Pros: top notch production, has its moments
Cons: lots of filler, no DJ Premier

Man I wanted to label this a classic but I just can’t. Every album since Reasonable Doubt has been hit or miss. The Black Album is yet another inconsistent record from Jigga. What a letdown! It was billed as the prequel to Reasonable Doubt, and I ...

Pros: Great beats, good solidarity (no skipping tracks on this one)
Cons: Is it his last? For real?

I admit, after Nas blasted him my opinion on jiggaman changed...but they both got over it, and so did I. There's a reason he boasts to be the best alive. Who's had more success than J? I love this album...I still read and hear alot of "reasonable ...

Pros: Good production by just blaze, kanye west, eminem, and timbaland.
Cons: Neptunes Neptunes Neptunes Neptunes Neptunes Neptunes

Whether you love him or hate him you can't deny the fact that jay z has had an impact on the game throughout his career. Many people probably thought The Black Album was going to be filled with a lot of commercial garbage (Like Vol. 2), because of the ...

Pros: Master of Ceremonies...
Cons: Intros and Interludes are wack. Eminem should just stick to flowing...

I think anyone who wants to compare this to a Reasonable Doubt will be disappointed. I wouldnt dare insult any artist by comparing their previous works with the current ones. Hip-hop changes and so do people. Reasonable Doubt and Blueprint were two ...

Pros: Too many to say!
Cons: Left me wanting more from the Jigga Man!

I just picked up the Black Album today, don't ask me how I got it, lets just say a cd shop had it in and I waited 1hr and a half for it, but was it worth my wait, that's a question you shouldn't even ask cause you know what my answer is gonna be. Hell Ye ...

Pros: Good farewell from Jay-z.Good subject matter
Cons: Sometimes the beats were kind of dull.

Finally jigga has decided to call it quits.Personally I believe i'll just label him the most succesful MC who ever lived.I know this is going to upset some rap critics who get to read this,many believe 2pac,BIG and Nas were all better.No doubt about ...

Pros: ORIGANALITY,REAL STORY'S,BEATS A GREAT CLASSIC ALBUM
Cons: ITS A SHORT ALBUM YOU'LL WANT MORE

By far jay-z is the best rapper alive,with that said as you know hes retiring.The black album is a classic for all hip-hop listeners.People say that THE BLACK ALBUM is commercial when in essence its very the opposite.Jay-z tells his life and what he has ...

Pros: Jay's metaphorical quality in this album is exquisite.
Cons: No reason to "Justify his Thug" or to give "Threats"

If there is any album I would encourage anyone to buy is definitely Jay-Z's "The Black Album". Jay's last album to date. As he starts with an interlude, he starts making valid points coming up to the saying, "All things must come to an end". Meaning his ...

Pros: No guest appearances
Cons: Diminished lyrical vernacular, unremitting contradictions, horrible production, lack of motivation throughout CD

And you thought it couldn't get any worse than "Roc-La-Familia", huh? Well, bring on the "Black" album. What makes this album so black-and-blue is the diminished lyrical skills that lack the metaphors, synonyms, and abstract poetics that were once deliv ...

Pros: wicked flows, varying styles, only Jay-Z rapping, still listening and enjoying
Cons: Should have a few more songs, Song placement could be better

So where do we start. Jay-Z is retiring after an amazing career in the Rap/Hip Hop industry. Everyone including Hov himself wanted this to be his best album ever. The album does fall short of that mark but that isnt to say that the album is bad. In fact t ...

Pros: Jay Z's last album..
Cons: Not his greatest work, will not be amazed like by previous work.

Picked up the black album not to long ago, but I want to tell you, that this album, and if it's what he says it is Jay's last, I am really not all that impressed.

Sure Jay has hit us with some of the best rap music of the 90s and this decade as well, but this album to me is extremely disappointing.

There are some very good songs on it, and it is typical Jay Z style, and I wasn't purchasing it, expecting it to be Reasonable Doubt or The Blueprint, but this is not the note or the album I would want him to end his career on.

Rather then going out on top with a great piece of work, it seems like he just had these songs, and put them on this album to just have something to call a career ender.

Jay Z fans should definitely add this to their collection just to say they have it, but I would not purchase this album with the idea or have the idea that you will be blown away buy it, cause you won't be...

Pros: The song PSA is the best song i ever heard in my life.
Cons: It should be longer.

Jay-Z is the man, he's the best of the best, he's the best rapper alive, dead, white, black.This album could be better since it's his last album but he this album fast, now tell me what rapper could make a album fast and it be better then the black album.

Pros: kanye west! great ending track. 99 problems was sooo Run DMC meets jay-z in '96
Cons: he should of started with the black album in '96, and ended with Reasonable Doubt.

I, being an avid supporter of Hova throughout his glorious career, am disapointed that he has decided to call it quits. His career has spanned 7 years and his impact on rap music and hiphop culture is undeniable. Hova is street. He started off being street with Reasonable Doubt, and ended street with The Black Album. The 5 albulms in between are the ones that brought rap music to the subarbs, he took rap off of the street and placed it in the hands of middle class white kids, myself included. But even as he did this, he never lost his street appeal. now we could agree that jay-z has made some wack albums...(in my lifetime vol. 1...), however, even the worst of jay-z's work is still better then many rapper's best work. As for the black album, i think that it is a good peice of work. i enjoyed the produced by Kanye West, r kelly, and eminem. And the joint with his momma is cute. great album, successful and influential career. we love u jay.

Pros: Kanye west and Just Blaze tracks are fire as well as Eminems.
Cons: DJ Quicks is corny

Y'all need to stop hating on the Neptunes. I think Change Clothes is a hott party track. I don't care where you think the black album is going or what theme it is displaying. Someone wrote that change clothes doesn't fit the theme and that the track is weak. Bottom line is every album needs a commercial party track and change clothes is it, period. Now if you hate the song so much then stop dancing to it in the clubs. Bottom line Neputunes, Pharrel and Chad are one of the greatest producers alive so give them respect you jealous bastords. Change clothes happens to be my one of my favorites. If any track is weak or corny it's DJ Quicks track. Now that track is just disappointing. Change clothes gives the album some breathing room. Come on now listen to it. THe first 4 tracks are about his life and are pretty serious. You need that 5th track to loosen up the audience and have a little fun.

Anonymous

Pros: GREAT ARTIST ALWAYS EXPECTS GREAT WORK !!!!
Cons: NONE!

This man is talented while others were putting out 1 album per year with an average of 3 good songs, I mean songs you would want to hear over and over again. This man put out like 2 albums or more like 1 1/2 per year which kept his fans wanting more! Its sad that this is his last album as a solo artist, but we all need a break, this disc is about the best work I've seen this artist do not one song is bad, all the beats are tight!Produced by a couple of people that until now have not really been put on the map so their hungry and their work is like nothing you ever heard before. And of course you got to have the neptunes what's a number one hit without them. But over all this CD is worth buying.

Pros: Some hot tracks on that shizzy
Cons: Not as much depth as I thought it should have had

Jay-Z is finally retiring (at least for now) and his final release, The Black Album, was good...but not great, at least to me. He had alot of catchy songs on there that got me sayin, damn, but at the same time that was only about half of them...or less. It really sucks that he's finally retiring because in my opinion, he's one of the greatest MCs but I guess my problem was that being a Jay-Z fan, I expected a little more heart and depth into the final one. Pretty good overall though.

Pros: amazing
Cons: .......

I don't know what the hell is wrong wit y'all haters.Look no matter how hard you advertised if u don't have a good material u can't sell alright.he is real if u know you have the best stuff in the game, u cant just sit back and expect sales you do commercialism.What more can he tell you.No body is as good as him as an emcee and i just wanna tell y'all that he should be number one on everybody lips.listen to this album and give your criticism but look haters this album is a classic all the tracks are hot and meaningful.who in the game after seven years is still as hot as him nobody don't be confused by these young emcees haters see value, see consistency in a career and shut your holes dudes.