:: Jay-Z - The Black Album

Jay-Z

Hip-Hop is here to stay. Certainly if the Top 40 is anything to go by, Hip-Hop could easily be considered the major force in the music industry today. In Australia, although popular, we still don’t know a great deal about the style, therefore only the most controversial and well-promoted are recognised by the majority. Because of this we are not necessarily acknowledging the best in the craft, just the ones that have had huge success already and are therefore a sure-fire hit in any country. Jay- Z has certainly experienced success in his own country (over 17 million albums sold, his own record company and a clothing line that brings in around $250 million a year), but has been little heard of here, apart from his teaming with the likes of Beyonce Knowles. ‘The Black Album’ represents the winds of change for Jay-Z, a change where mainstream acceptance can most definitely be assured. The album is surprising, confrontational, and shows that Hip-Hop is a style that speaks to people with the clarity and ease of a heartfelt singer/songwriter. Metaphorically speaking, this album it is a great big flashing arrow that says ‘this is the direction Hip-Hop is going, catch up or get lost in the dust’.
‘Change Clothes’ is the first single off the album, and the one most people will have heard by now, receiving heavy rotation both on radio and TV. There are other recognisable touches to the recording in the form of co-writers and collaborators. ‘Threat’ is co-written by R. Kelly, and ‘Moment of Clarity’ comes across as something better suited to ‘The Eminem Show’, not surprising considering the track was co-written by none other than Marshall Mathers himself. Although both are excellent, it is when Jay-Z stands on his own that the work truly shines. ‘What More Can I Say’ is a definite standout, and ‘My 1st Song’ has an excellent mix of a heavy Hip-Hop beat layered perfectly over a slow Soul tune.
Individually Jay-Z has all the edge of Eminem and 50 cent, minus the short-lived shock value and plus a kind of credibility most would kill for. In years to come, when they are looking back at Hip-Hop at its height, I am certain Jay –Z will stand out as the definitive voice of a movement.