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Apparently the 'Black Album' is mega-successful rapper Jay-Zs last, whether this is a clever marketing ploy by his hugely successful Roc-A-Fella label or reality, a new album from a man with such a high profile is always welcome, and after the multi-platinum success of his previous work, a lot is also expected. Thankfully Jay-Z works the same formula that has produced such classic results in the past - banging production and reality raps bar none, with the supremely confident Jay-Z certainly one of the best storytellers in the game, his quirky old school delivery swings over beats like no other. December 4th is a tale about his early years, while What More Can I Say manages to sample both 70s funk band MFSB and Roman sword and sandal epic Gladiator, Jay-Z exemplary in his explanation of stardom. The Neptunes have always complimented Jay-Zs brash delivery and Change Clothes is no different, a slick jazz-funk number all about the ladies, while fellow Virginian Timbaland provides the grimy Dirt Off Your Shoulder, a futuristic tale of pimps and honour. Other producers to appear include Rick Rubin, Just Blaze and Eminem, and obviously no expense was spared in that department, but of course Jay-Z has always been one to wear success on his sleeve and when youve had as much as he has why wouldnt you. Once again he has created an album that takes more than one listen, and once you get it youll keep going back for more. It is an album that works from start to finish, which few hip-hop albums manage, showing a more mature, more focused artist completely comfortable in his current environment, a master of the format whose vision is realised, and for those reasons you cant help but be drawn in by this album. Pop music's loss will be someone else's gain and you get the feeling that no matter what the charasmatic Jay-Z does next he will be a success. A fitting end (if indeed it is) to an exceptional career, from a rapper going out at the top of his game. Recommended. |
