Disc 11. Interlude 2. December 4th 3. What More Can I Say 4. Encore 5. Change Clothes 6. Dirt Off Your Shoulder 7. Threat 8. Moment of Clarity, A 9. 99 Problems 10. Interlude 11. Justify My Thug 12. Lucifer 13. Allure 14. My 1st Song
Label: Def Jam (USA)
Release Date: 11/14/2003
Original Release Date: 2003
Recording Mode: Stereo
Recording Type: Studio
Distributor: Universal Distribution
Personnel includes: Jay-Z (rap vocals); Sharlotte Gibson, Vincent "Hum V" Bostic, John Legend, Don Crawley, Leonard Harris, Kanye West, Danee Doty,
Cedric The Entertainer.
Producers include: The Neptunes, DJ Quik, Eminem, Rick Rubin, Just Blaze.
In what he claims to be his final release as a musical performer, Jay-Z drops THE BLACK ALBUM, a sprawling, ambitious effort that rivals the best work of the rapper's already legendary career. Working with a who's who of hip-hop's most high-profile producers, the outrageously talented MC adjusts his flow and subject matter to the wildly varied tracks, proving once again just how gifted he is as a wordsmith.
From the epic "What More Can I Say" (a collaboration with the Buchannans) to the brutally honest, Eminem-produced "Moment of Clarity," THE BLACK ALBUM bleeds with inspiration. Other highlights include the fuel-injected "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" (featuring Timbaland behind the board), the club-ready "Change Clothes" (which sports the Neptunes' trademark beats), and the old-school stomp of "99 Problems" (with pioneering hip-hop producer Rick Rubin). It makes one wonder how an artist at the peak of his craft could willingly put the microphone down. Hopefully, time out of the spotlight will remind Shawn Carter why he became successful in the first place, and find him back in the studio.
Prolific hip-hop superstar Jay-Z certainly knows how to capture attention and stay in the spotlight. From his brash declarations of being Notorious B.I.G.'s heir to repeatedly stoking the fire of a dangerous feud with Nas, the Brooklynite is certainly a master of stirring up controversy. However, while his unpredictable nature helps to keep eyes pointed in his direction, it's his lyrics that have earned him fame, along with the respect of many critics, fans, and fellow rappers.
After the release of THE BLACK ALBUM--his powerful, supposedly final testament--Jay-Z returned to headlines without even trying. The record inspired a cult following in the world of underground remixers, who proceeded to "mash up" the album (sans license) by combining Jay-Z's vocals with music from pop and rock albums. In reaction to this phenomenon, Jay-Z comes back with his over-the-counter THE BLACK ALBUM (ACAPPELLA), which presents the whole disc, minus the instrumentation. Taken alone, the cuts are intense on their own account, but the true treat for fans is the ability to play DJ with the album for their own enjoyment.
Rolling Stone (12/25/03, pp.106-7) - Included in Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2003"
Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.198) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...He's settling scores and letting us deeper into his life than ever....One of the better albums of his career..."
Entertainment Weekly (11/28/03, pp.121-2) - "...[Here] the quintessential hustler [seeks] a memorable exit..." - Rating: B+
Q (1/04, p.108) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[H]is real strength lies where it always has: in brags. He excels at flashy cadences and unexpected turns of phrase."
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