Jay Z was so inspired by a screening of the recently released film American Gangster that he crafted an entirely new album inspired by the film. This album chronicles the tale of a young hustler and focuses on: his introduction to the drug world, his subsequent success, and his ultimate downfall. The result is a conceptual rap album, something rare in the hip hop world.
What makes this album stand out from other gangster-related albums is that Jay’s perspective is reflective: he’s played the game, succeeded and failed, and has lived to recount the tale. Hip hop’s young thugs are growing up, and this is not just an album that discusses drug dealing and life in the hood; instead, this is an album that reflects back on what it’s like to work your way up in the world. In fact, Jay‘s organ-backed track “Success,” a collaboration with former enemy Nas, revolves around the two men preaching about what it’s like to make something of one’s self.
Jay’s flow is self-assured. He travels not only his former life, but also speaks to his younger self. In “Pray,” he switches from talking about his own real-life accomplishments to speaking from the perspective of a kid about to slip into the game. With Beyonce’s spoken word-like interludes (her voice is kept low and sultry), epic strings, and a choir, this is a complex and dramatic track.
The balancing of perspectives also happens with the album’s beats. The album features retro beats provided by Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jermaine Dupri’s and samples by artists as diverse as Marvin Gaye and the Beastie Boys with contemporary synths and drums tracks produced by The Neptunes. The celebratory track, “Roc Boys (and the Winner is)...” is a highlight because of its intense horns and drums.
As Jay raps, this album is “the tale of lost innocense.” This album is a return to Jay Z’s stomping ground, but he is careful to update familiar ideas. This album celebrates the world these characters live in, and reflects on a young man who was able to make a place for himself in the world. As Jay says, this is “black superhero music.”This is proof that success is more than possible.
Download: "Roc Boys (and the Winner is)..." "Pray" "Blue Magic"
