When you went out and bought the highly anticipated album from hip-hop's most arrogant lyricist, you prayed that he reached the level of his last album. By now, most of you are bumpin' Life And Times... to a point where new-school classics like "So Ghetto" and "Big Pimpin'" almost sent the rewind button into an early retirement. As hard as it is to repeat an album as timeless as Hard Knock Life, Jay-Z attempts to hit you with the same ingredients that made Hard Knock a classic. But let's not front. There's a lack of the type of hair-raising lyrics we've come to demand from Jigga. As you know, when the production doesn't support an MCs lyrics, problems arise. On joints like the irritating "Hova Song (In & Outro)," the corny "S. Carter," and the trendy "Pop 4 Roc," Jigga gets lazy over some sleepy tracks. However, when coupled with the right production, Jay-Z reveals why he is the most influential hip-hop artist alive today. Songs like "So Ghetto," "Do It Again," and "Come and Get Me," highlight Jay-Z's uncanny ability to transform bumpin' tracks into cleverly crafted hip-hop anthems. And even on his worst day, there's an industry of MCs who emulate his infectious flow and delivery." - The Source (4 Mics). Not my favorite Hov album, but revisit it below...
You Are About To Witness A Dynasty Like No Other...
