We have finally got what we’ve been waiting for since Vol. 3 The Life and Times of S. Carter, Jay-Z’s first “last” album. Whether or not this is the last album, or if it’s just one to add to his track record, here is the review…

“ December 4”
The first track on the Black Album entitled December 4 allows listeners to view Jay from a different perspective. Similar to what Killa Cam did on his first album, Jay put his mom on this one. Lyrically Jay appears to be more descriptive concerning his feelings, lyrically inclined and compassionate about the tracks content, which ranges from his dad, hustling, and ultimately Hip Hop. When the beat is heard it sounds like the end of a theatrical performance when the actors bow out gracefully. Given that this is supposedly Jay’s last album the beat was perfect for the song. Some of the most memorable bars were “Now all of my teachers couldn’t reach me and my mother couldn’t beat me hard enough to match the pain of my pops not seeing me!” For months and possibly years to come this song will be in heavy rotation….

“ What More Can I Say?”
As the song begins a sampling of the “Gladiator” is played. Following that Jay spits raw throughout the entire track, constantly questioning if he could possibly say or do more for rap or himself for that matter. Nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be the traditional Jay. Always sarcastic, not so arrogant this time, but humble while at the same time quite confident about what he has accomplished through music. So is he #1 on everybody’s list? We’ll leave that to your discretion! Throughout the past 8 years Jay has said a lot, nine successful albums, numerous guest appearances, a record label, along with auxiliaries, and a clothing line, nuff said Jay!

“ Encore”
This can be considered one of the most artistic tracks on The Black Album. Here a considerable amount of versatility is shown. The instruments in the beat demand the attention of all listeners and it has the ability to make you vibe to it. The additional vocals are serious and they make you think about the essence of live shows where the crowd just can’t get enough. I guess we won’t see Jay won’t be coming back like Mike Jordan after this album!

“Change Clothes”
Jay is back with “4-REAL” (Pharrell Williams) from the Neptunes. Change Clothes was the first single from the Black Album. Not a bad choice at all, Neptunes tracks always attract album supporters and an audience beyond the hip hop arena, for example, heavy support from MTV along with constant radio rotation. A little pop appeal never hurt anybody, besides maybe Ja-Rule. The track is nice for the mainstream and of course the females. Overall “Change Clothes” is a quality track and it should be on its way to the top of the single charts if it’s not there already. Minus the beat the lyrics are correct. They describe Jay’s values concerning wardrobe and women. So change clothes and roll out.

“ Get That Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
Why should we walk around with dirt on our shoulders? Get it off and in the meantime get tuned in to this track. The beat is a little abstract for a New Yorker and it is somewhat southern, with the potential to make you bounce. But whether you’re in the car, at the bar, on the bus, or on the train, it is guaranteed to make you hype. Lyrically the track is satisfactory and it could possibly be a single from the album. So keep your ears open and keep the dirt of.

“ Threat”
Finally! We now know what ODB has been up to. He’s been making “Threat” with Jay. This 9th Wonder produced track is dark and makes you zone out as Jay rips it from beginning to end. Lyrically, this is it right here along with a few other tracks from the album. After hearing the song you might think of another track in which Jay came this hard. It might make you think of “Squeeze 1st” from the Dynasty released in October of 2000. The way the lyrics are N-Sync with the beat on “Threat” makes you really feel the track. Nine albums and still running numbers, what more could we expect. A seasoned MC and an up and coming beat maker equal a banger!

“ Moment of Clarity”
It’s all clear to us now. Why Jay does what he does. The track makes you sympathize with Jay a little as he describes what his life was like, despite becoming wealthy and a rap legend. These things all come with a price. Many times criticism, sometimes hate and of course a guilty conscience for leading people astray through senseless bars. Jay admits in the following bars that he was out to get paid. “If skills sold truth be told I’d probably be lyrically Talib Kweli, truthfully I want to rhyme like Common Sense but I sold five mil and I ain’t been rhyming like Common since. It takes a real man to recognize his mistakes and better yet it takes a real man to correct his mistakes. Since Jay is retiring let’s see what happens. In conclusion we can’t take anything away from Jay, he is a heavyweight MC and we give credit where credit is due.

“ 99 Problems”
Apparently Jay has problems, but females aren’t included in the list. This will soon become the motto of many men, as we have all grown weary from female problems. As we already know Jay has other problems, Radio stations, magazines, politicians, the boys (police), and rival MC’s although it doesn’t appear so at times, it’s evident. The beat sounds rock and rollish. The vocals work well with the beat and show another degree of versatility. It reminds you of the Heavy D produced Jay-Z and Lenny Kravitz song a little bit minus the guitar.

“ Public Service Announcement”
This track picks up the pace of the album a bit. The additional vocals fit in perfect amidst the lyrics. Lyrically Jay continues to solidify his position rapping as if he were in his prime. He appeared to have spit two 14 to 16 bar verses, all flaming. From the fierceness of his skill right now, Jay is trying to bow out gracefully. New Content, just a little bit. But consistency is the key. Same shit, different lyrics is what keeps him going.

“ Justify My Thug”
Where did we hear this baseline before? Sounds like “The Rulers Back” from the Blueprint 1 released in Sept. 01. Here Jay justifies why he was, is, and will continue to be the way he is. We can’t hate, but we will only show love to those who deserve it. Jay deserves it for the way he rips this one. The beat drops and the rawness comes out like a running faucet. What is likeable about this track and all others on the Black album for that matter is the fact that it is a solo effort. His thug is justified!

“ Lucifer”
Is Jay the Lucifer of the Rap game? Well somewhat because even Lucifer is loved by some. The song is ill and he spits like Lucifer on this one because it’s red devil hot. The hook is crazy and the beat sounds a little West Indian. It’ll remind you of Biggie Smalls “Respect” with Diana King released in 1994 on the Ready to Die LP. Getting back to 2k3 pay close attention to the bars Jay spits. Of course there’s not a whole lot of punch lines and stuff just raw rap…

“ Allure”
This track brings back the essence of true hip hop, the beat takes you back to the Reasonable Doubt days because it is so mellow, yet thorough! Before long you might be singing the hook. As you make your way through the album, it’s guaranteed you’ll feel this one. After you listen to it once, it’ll “call you right back”. Pay close attention to the bars because you know Jay, there are stories being told.

“ My 1st Song”
Jay definitely spit on this one as if was his first. Even though it’s his last you wouldn’t be able to tell. Through the lyrics you hear the joy, the pain, and the struggle of a young MC as he finesses through his very last song. As you listen to it it’ll make you vibe because the beat is thorough and Jay has to switch up his flow to freak it properly. Overall the track makes you happy for Jay. For Jay came a long way and this is the end of his career as an MC. Some people don’t know when to hang it up, thankfully Jay ended his reign while he was in his prime.

In conclusion I would like to wish much success to Jay in his future endeavors. For we can all be successful in our respective careers, we just have to do what we do best. Whether its processing photos at Kmart, Teaching high school, or playing in the NBA, be the best at what you do, so that when we retire we can bow out gracefully.

On the global scale Jay gets 4.5 out of 5 globes. This accounts for lyricism, production, versatility, and effort.

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