"In My Lifetime" is the debut single by Jay-Z. It is produced by Ski Beatz, and contains samples from "Oh Baby" by Aretha Franklin and two Soul II Soul songs: "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" and "Get a Life". The original version of the single was sold by Jay-Z and Damon Dash out of Dash's car in 1993-1994. It was then released by Payday Records in 1995, but Jay-Z had royalty conflicts with the label and decided to release his material through the label he co-founded, Roc-A-Fella Records. The single features a remix by Big Jaz and the B-side, "Can't Get Wid That," produced by Clark Kent. The song is not featured on either of Jay-Z's first two albums, but the Big Jaz remix is featured on the Streets Is Watching soundtrack and was first heard in the slept-on film, "Bullet," with Mickey Rourke, Michael K. Williams and Tupac Shakur (R.I.P.) in 1996. Above is the classic postcard sent out to promote the 12", and below you can stream the remix via Spotify. Jay-Z's career is that of a legendary hustler and business-man, who also happens to be one of - if not - thee greatest MCs of all-time! Much respect to Hov, Dame, Biggs and the whole Roc-A-Fella team!
Original artwork for the 12" single...
