Reasonable Doubt [EXPLICIT LYRICS] [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED]

Jay-Z

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2006)
• Original Release Date: June 25, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics, Extra tracks, Original recording reissued
• Label: EMI America Records
• ASIN: B00000HZG9
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (279 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,230 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Jay-Z's classic debut is a compelling reflection on his life as a hustler. It's invested with an uncommon complexity and candor that has noticeably faded in his later material. Armed with clever phrasing and sly deadpan wit, Jay-Z navigates indulgent romps ("Can't Knock the Hustle"), thought-provoking introspection ("Regrets"), and devastating street-corner soliloquies ("Friend or Foe") with savvy composure. The beats on Reasonable Doubt, provided by the likes of DJ Premier & Ski, are as irresistibly slick as his persona. "Brooklyn's Finest," his mic-passing session with his friend Notorious B.I.G., takes on a torch-passing significance in the wake of Biggie's death. That song, and the entire album, foreshadows Jay-Z's subsequent ascension to kingpin status. --Del. F. Cowie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CLASSIC Jay-Z, Hip Hop will never be the same, March 15, 2004

By	Wayne Maye (Petersburg,VA) - See all my reviews

Man, in 1996, hip hop was a different place. My favorite MC at the same (and still is today) Nas was reigning supreme with the release of his EXCELLENT sophomore album "It Was Written." But, little did I know that Jay-Z, at the time a virtual unknown, would drop such an album that would be described as classic in every sense of the word. THIS album is NOTHING like you would find in hip hop today. What's in this is ABSENT from hip hop today: lyrics, originally, true subject matter, consistency. Many artists don't score too big with the first album, but Jay-Z, just like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Rakim, among others, scored, and he hit a home run. I could go on and on about this album, but let me just say that it's an awesome experience listening to this. Most cats might've slept on Jigga during 96, but years later, those same cats' eyes bugged with surprise when they heard this for the first time. Before you see my overall opinion on this masterpiece, let's do a little rundown on the Jay-Z albums "post Reasonable Doubt."

In My Lifetime Vol. 1 (4 mics, with the exception of 3 songs, you know what they are if you own this album, this album is excellent, even with the things Jay-Z was going through during the making of the album, otherwise, it's great, and "Streets is Watching," "Imaginary Player", "Friend Or Foe 98", "You Must Love Me" and the album's BEST track "Where I'm From" make this album worthwhile)

Vol.2...Hard Knock Life (3 mics, classic? hell no, the title track, "Nigga What Nigga Who", "Money, Cash, Hoes", and "A Week Ago" are bangers, the rest of the album is boring for the most part and it lost SERIOUS points with me because nearly EVERY song featured another artist)

Vol.3...Life and Times of S.Carter (2 mics, seriously, his most disappointing album, nuff said, preview this album BEFORE purchase)

The Dyansty Roc La Familia (4 mics, excellent album, he mananged to try and make stars out of Beanie, Bleek, and Amil, guess who it worked for, otherwise, he offered some gems on this one, check out "Streets Is Talking", "Stick 2 Da Script", and "Parking Lot Pimping")

The Blueprint (5 mics, released on 9/11/01, the day I bought it, this album is CLASSIC, with one misstep (Jigga That Nigga), he did the majority of SOLO, and made one hell of an album)

MTV Unplugged (Jay-Z LIVE, nuff said)

Blueprint 2...The Gift and The Curse (4 mics, excellent double album from him, with some filler that should not have made the album)

The Black Album (4 and a half mics, IF this is his last one, and I believe it is, what a way to go out)

But back this Reasonable Doubt classic, BUY THIS NOW if you don't own it. It's worth your time and money.

Album Highlights: THE ENTIRE LP except Can I Live II (bonus track), and Ain't No Nigga (jigga rips it but Foxy is unbearable)

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful, Powerful, and Absolutely Brilliant, June 16, 2002

By A Customer

Jay-Z reveals his true genius in this album. I was hooked on Jay-Z after hearing Volume 1 in a friend's car back in 1997, which is actually an underrated album. I didn't listen to Reasonable Doubt until 2000, and the funny thing is, I didn't realize how great it was until about a year later, after listening to it over and over. The songs are dark and deep. This is a strangely innovative album, because of the production. For example, 22 Two's is nothing I have ever heard before, and overall the piano dominated beats are so different from what you'll usually hear on a hip-hop record. The lyrics are amazing. There are many themes that run throughout the album, including focus, determination, and justice.

In my opinion, the best tracks are (in this order): 1) D'evils, 2) Can I Live (the first verse is incredible), 3) Bring it on (Jay's verse is abstract), 4) Brooklyn's Finest, 5) Can't Knock the Hustle, 6) 22 Twos (the first verse is awesome), 7) Coming of Age (the Jay/Bleek exchange is very original and effective), and then 8) Can I live II. 9) Dead Presidents.

The reason why D'evils is a classic is because of the message, and because of the piano. The message is that if you wish to be successful in any endeavor, you should be willing to do whatever it takes, including lie. A secondary theme in that song is that friends grow apart due to disparity in success. But what makes that song great is how the message is delivered - the rhymes that he chooses.

If you are a music fan (not necessariy a hip-hop fan, but a music fan), or a lover of language and expression, get this album.

43 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, February 14, 2004

By	W. C Donovan (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Let me start by saying I'm a white guy, and a not-cool one at that. I've only recently started beefing up my Hip Hop collection, with my last purchase being "Illmatic" by Nas, which is amazing. This album is right there.

The lyricism and poetry imbued in all these tracks is insanely good. "Politics As Usual," "Brooklyn's Finest," and everything else on this disc is the stuff of an ambitious genius. I don't know much, but I know there's no way it got any better for Jay-Z than "Reasonable Doubt."

I've been turned off by the corporate crap that apparently clutters many of his subsequent releases (especially that annoying sample of "It's a Hard Knock Life"....UGH). But "Reasonable Doubt" showcases an ARTIST at the peak of his powers. A lot can be said of ambition, and Jay-Z had it. Let's hope he gets it back.

Until then, sit back, turn up the volume, and let the beats and poetry from this classic debut put it on you, as it did me.