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The Black Album

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If The Black Album is truly Jay-Z's last statement before retirement, he at least goes out near the top of his game. While it probably won't be remembered as his best album, The Black Album is his most personal to date and features some of his most compelling writing. Jay-Z is defiant and defensive here--he's trying to make sure his legacy is properly acknowledged, although he can get a bit heavy-handed at times. Still, he's rarely been more incisive or insightful in his rhymes, exposing his own childhood struggles on songs like "December 4th" while slapping at his haters with "What More Can I Say" and the cutting "Threat." Longtime Jay-Z collaborators Just Blaze and Kanye West churn out outstanding production, especially Blaze, whose beats for "December 4th" and "Public Service Announcement" are among the album's best. Newcomers Aqua and the Buchanans represent well also but Eminem's minor-key drone for "Moment of Clarity" is mired in mediocrity. Jay might fade to black after this one but his last shot doesn't miss. --Oliver Wang

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739 Reviews

Love it (77%)  |  Hate it (13%)  |  On the Fence (9%)  |  Didn't Rate it (1%)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Next >
From: Amazon Posted: Jan 09, 2008 Type: User Review Jay-Z's best album since Reasonable Doubt

I have to admit when I first heard this album I was blown away. I still have my same copy with the black disc. I will say that this album is a more commercial version of Reasonable Doubt. Even though it has a more commercial feel to it, its still...
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Dec 10, 2007 Type: User Review Cakewalk & drum machines

I'm not reviewing this album because I never heard it. I do know that I loathe this rapper and all the tadpoles that follow him. If this moron has so much money, then why do I see Bono in Africa helping black people? Why do I see Brad Pitt helping...
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1.00 Star Rating
1.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Sep 27, 2007 Type: User Review Sleepy

I don't want to sound like a hater i mean i am giving the album 5 stars but I used to use this album to go to sleep, maybe thats why when i put this in my car I get really drowzy and actually almost fall asleep. You get producers like kanye west...
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Sep 21, 2007 Type: User Review Not Jay's BEST but a Great Album...

At first I wasn't feeling this CD so much but after 4-5 spins I realized this was a really nice album. IMO it's behind Blueprint, Vol. 1, and Vol. 2 for the best Jay-z albums. Alot of people don't agree with me on Vol. 1 but it was a great...
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4.00 Star Rating
4.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Jun 06, 2007 Type: User Review Thank God for granting me Moment of Clarity and that which ensued

As this is the only Jay-Z album I own, I can't rank it against his others as many reviewers have done. I confess that I bought it for 99 Problems and Dirt Off Your Shoulder so I'd have some of the more accessible MTV-branded "hip-hop" to add to my...
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3.00 Star Rating
3.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: May 17, 2007 Type: User Review His best work besides 'Reasonable Doubt'

This is not the classic that 'Reasonable Doubt' is, but it was the best album Jigga had put out since then. Even though I found 'The Blueprint' to be slightly overrated, I was still very impressed with his "retirement" album. Besides having three...
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Apr 10, 2007 Type: User Review The Black Album

this is one of my favorite JAY-Z albums of all time the beats are amazing & the producers that he worked on are well respected he worked with the likes of EMINEM DJ QUIK TIMBALAND KANYE WEST PHARRELL WILLIAMS RICK RUBIN JUST BLAZE not just the...
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Apr 05, 2007 Type: User Review The Black album: One of the best Hip hop albums in a while!!

The best Jigga Album yet!! After this one maybe Roc La familia Album. N.Y.C Stand up !!! Bx 1luv!!
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2.00 Star Rating
2.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Feb 26, 2007 Type: User Review Most Overrated of all times!

Most Overrated of all times! Jay-Z been set to be the greatest of all time, by that MTV Show.. but thats just stupid, Jay-Z is in my top Ten, but Nr. 1.. you gotta be kidding me?

anyways, even tho he overrated he came hard with this...
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4.00 Star Rating
4.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Jan 16, 2007 Type: User Review Jay's swan song until....................

Don't nick-pick at Jigga. The Black Album was the perfect vehicle for him to go out on top. This is definitely a classic and one of the few great albums of the 2000's.

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December 4th (Even Mama made the album) read full review | report as inappropriate





5.00 Star Rating
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