Jay-Z lays down some nasty 1970's Soul, Drug-Kingpin Looks on his new American Gangster Record. Filled w/ heavy and triumphant horns……. jigga is on some straight up black super hero ish for what is his First Concept Album, which was inspired by the film of same name. With Production from Neptunes, Jus Blaze, the Hitman, Diddy & Mario Winans among others, this record finds Jay more relaxed and care-free from past works. The one track that sticks out to me is ‘I Know’ featuring Pharrell, a straight up filthy beat that is sure to kill the clubs in the time very nearish-like!! It’s a beautiful and melodic, hypnotic as well as synth heavy layer production that has made Pharrell Williams such a mainstay producer in the hip-hop these daze. Other tracks that stand out are…. Success (feat Nas), Roc Boys (and the winner is...), Sweet & Hello Brooklyn which features Lil' Weezy as well as the sample from the Bass Heavy B Boys Staple. Cohesively not Jay’s best work…….. but definitely the best shit he’s done since the Black Album, and a Blessing after he put out that dud Kingdom Come….so jump on this ish.
