Black Album (Clean) [Clean]

Jay-Z | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Clean
• Label: Def Jam
• ASIN: B0000UX5IE
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,738 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An epic statement, July 6, 2007

By 

ctrx ('bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks...) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Black Album (Clean) (Audio CD)

With the late-2003 release of "The Black Album," Jay-Z announced his exit from the rap game and retirement. While we all know that he wouldn't hold true to this promise, "The Black Album" was a dramatic, stunning return to form for one of hip hop's top MCs. Following his 2001 classic The Blueprint, Jay-Z had put out multiple disappointing releases, most notably his follow-upBlueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, a sprawling double album, and his first R. Kelly collabo Best of Both Worlds. "The Black Album" showed a Jay-Z that we had seen glimpses of on The Blueprint, a dramatic and epic rapper who prophesized, recounted his career, and celebrated his greatness. His boasts are not unfounded in the least, and the album is truly compelling. The production is part of what makes "The Black Album" so effective, though, because nearly each song is perfectly matched to his raps. The huge list of A-list producers does a great job. "The Black Album" is one of Jay-Z's finest works, and I highly recommend it.

Following the intro, the album begins with the horn fanfare of "December 4th." This song contains clips of an interview with his mother, speaking of his growing up. He raps dramatically about his upbringing, problems in school, at home, and how he struggled through to overcome his humble beginnings. I love this song. The absolutely epic "What More Can I Say" starts with the "Are you not entertained?!" clip from "Gladiator," and Jay-Z profiles his ultimate greatness with each line in each verse. This song is inspired and moving. Over a great trumpet solo, produced by Kanye West, Jay makes his official retirement statement on the classic "Encore." The first single, "Change Clothes," is an incredibly catchy ode to clothes and partying. This song has a very classy and luxurious vibe that shows a matured rapper, and The Neptunes' production is great. Timbaland laced the club banger "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," the repetitive, inescapable hit that inspired a dance move and clever punchlines for years to come. 9th Wonder's production "Threat" is a memorable piece showcasing an angry Hov, and "Moment of Clarity" is an emotional insight into Shawn Carter's mindstate. "99 Problems" is a classic single, perfect. Rick Rubin's banging guitars create a perfect backdrop for Jay's hilarious and entertaining rhymes and excellent hook. The classy "Justify My Thug" and the unique "Lucifer" are good tracks, and the album closes with the nice "Allure" and the phenomenal "My First Song," which closes his album, and supposedly his career, with a thought-provoking finish.

While "The Black Album" didn't turn out to be the wonderful retirement statement it was meant to be, the magnitude of the music and ideas on this album will always remain. This album captured the hearts of a hip hop audience for a long time because of all it offered, and it probably will continue to do so as it is remembered as one of Jay-Z's most effective works.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jay Ended the Game With A Tight CD, February 26, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Black Album (Clean) (Audio CD)

Jay Z has done 12 tight albums and usally when an artist gets to there last cd they get worse but not with Jay Z. Jay has proved that he can keep making tight records unlike many other artist. Jay Z is a important part of hip hop because he keeps it real. My Favorite sings on the Black Album are December 4th, Encore, 99 problems and Dirt Off your shoulders but every song on The Black Album is hot.
This is a must buy cd for any hip hop fan. Jay Z keep it real! Your the Greatest.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Black Album (clean), December 19, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Black Album (Clean) (Audio CD)

Oh Man, this album rocks! The tracks like "99 Problems" are true hits. Some songs that aren't heard of a lot will be hits. The whole concept of the album may not mean much, but it made all the difference, for real.

All the songs are so awesome! The best track, "99 Problems," is a song with incredible lyrics, nice beat, and really hardcore. "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," is an amazing song with the best lyrics, the best rhythm, and it's so good it is played at every party, it will make you brush your shoulders off! "Encore," makes you sing along, roar, and it will make you give it an encore. "Change Clothes," is really stupid, but that doesn't matter too much. Track 10's interlude, is incredible, it's just incredible! Other songs like, "Moment of Clarity," are un-known, but one of the best.

Overall, this album is sick. The proudcers are just as cool as the songs they made with guys like, Timbaland, Eminem, Kanye West, Lenny Kravitz, Pharell & The Neptunes, and more. This album is too good get while you have the chance.