It's been a couple weeks now that Jay-Z's American Gangster has dropped and although I never intended for this site to be a record review site I have decided to include my review of this record. Upon first listen I knew this album would be something special but now that some time has passed I will state that this is most definitely the album of the year and it has proved once and for all that Jay-Z is the best rapper alive....
After Kingdom Come it was apparent that Jay-Z needed to make an album that would reaffirm his status in the game. In addition to poor reviews, Kingdom Come didn't really hit hard with fans, perhaps hip hop isn't ready to be that mature yet. So after a year Jay-Z comes out with one of his finest works to date. At a time when there is pressure to clean up hip hop, Jay-Z is dropping a record that throws a mean punch to the do-gooders who are trying to rectify a supposedly bad situation in the culture. American Gangster, a concept album relying heavily on content from the movie of the same name, mixes 70's soul with the newer sounds of hip hop radio. Starting with "Pray", Hov comes in hard, beat pounding, birthing himself into the Frank Lucas character. Though the first half of the album is probably weaker than the second, Jay still manages to drop knowledge on "American Dreamin'" and "No Hook". The latter being a defense of his talent to bring lyrics during a time of hatred in hip hop. The single, "Roc Boys", is an uplifting head-nod to the flashy lifestyle of the hustler, quite reminiscent of the Reasonable Doubt days. The Neptunes ad a spacey, yet strangely enjoyable track for the ladies in the form of "I Know". The track is supposed to be representation of heroin addiction and surprisingly it does just that, it becomes addicting after just a couple of listens. Along with "Party Life", Jay shows his continuing versatility to be able to make records for all audiences. After "Party Life" the album kicks into high gear. Jay makes a brilliant statement regarding the Don Imus controversy on a once throwaway track now revamped and featuring the bulldog Beanie Sigel with "Ignorant Shit". "Say Hello" is a smooth groove with some more insightful knowledge from the "bad guy". Nas adds his two cents for a bluesy look at the high life on "Success". For those who hate boastful raps, Jay does it perfectly by going above and beyond what most rappers say, not just rhyming about how rich he is, but how he doesn't even have time for all his riches ("got an apartment at the Trump, i only slept in once"). To finish he drops "Fallin", a return to boom bap with elements of the new hip hop sound that blend incredibly with Jay's warnings of the inevitability of a gangster's life. Bonus tracks include the first single "Blue Magic" and a sample-heavy, title track banger courtesy of Just Blaze. A perfect ending to a near flawless album. The only real disappointment is the out of place "Hello Brooklyn". While the beat has the ability to rattle trunks, the guest appearance by Lil' Wayne is an obvious attempt to capitalize on a questionable rapper's current appeal.
All together this album is right up there with Reasonable Doubt and The Black Album. The only record in close range of American Gangster is In My Lifetime, or possibly The Blueprint. Jay-Z will certainly silence any critics who thought he may have fallen off or perhaps matured too much for the hip hop scene. This record is a solid album that will be appreciated for years to come.
Joints for the passing listener = Fallin', Say Hello, I Know, Ignorant Shit
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