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Forum nameThe Lesson
Topic subjectSo uh.....what's with the 4:44 thing?
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=2991311
2991311, So uh.....what's with the 4:44 thing?
Posted by phemom, Mon Jun-05-17 10:43 PM
I'm seeing it all over the place....and reddit has concluded that the ads are from Tidal.

Hov season?
2991312, Also in Times Square.
Posted by phemom, Mon Jun-05-17 10:52 PM
http://i.imgur.com/QTXhtoi.jpg

....yeah really starting to think it's a Jay-Z album now.
2991321, Comes out April 44th
Posted by justin_scott, Tue Jun-06-17 01:07 AM
.
2991322, Gabbo Gabbo Gabbo!
Posted by justin_scott, Tue Jun-06-17 01:11 AM
.
2991331, ^^My thought too
Posted by handle, Tue Jun-06-17 12:14 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub6LGfFTnmc
2991329, Hov
Posted by My_SP1200_Broken_Again, Tue Jun-06-17 08:37 AM
2991774, My guess: '4:44' = 'For Barack'
Posted by The Analyst, Fri Jun-16-17 02:41 PM
(When Jay mentioned Obama on twitter last night, referring to him as 44, a lightbulb went off...)

Though of course, there are a lot of "4" references related to Jay-Z and Beyonce, including their daughter's name.
Blueprint 4?
2991777, It's an exclusive Tidal movie with Mahersala Ali, Lupita Nyong'o...
Posted by mrhood75, Fri Jun-16-17 03:55 PM
...and Danny Glover.

Maybe Jigga is doing the soundtrack for it too.
2991791, My guy was on Twitter talking about
Posted by High Society, Fri Jun-16-17 09:28 PM
great emcees last night or the night before....

We better not get a MOVIE...

MCHG came out 4 years ago, I'm ready for maybe one last
DOPE DOPE DOPE Jay album.

Let's not forget....
MCHG was pretty good.

Holy Grail ft Jay - sucked

The Adrian Younge joint Timb HACKED
(the joint that made me say damn, this sounds like Jay and Primo) was fire.

Tom Ford was wack.

The Ross joint was dope.
Oceans w/ /Frank is a really underrated Jay song.
FUTW is good. Somewhere in America is so strange, the Miley shit is cringeworthy.

Crown is some dark / On to The Next One stunting shit (always liked that joint)
Heaven is dope. On his Jay Elec shit on this one.
I'll always wish Versus was a complete song. That joint was such a tease.
sorry never got down with OTR.
Beach is better... naaaah and VERSUS -- what is this an MF DOOM album.

BBC - is fun for what it is.

Jay-Z Blue... I've always like the Mommy Dearest joint with the Bigge spirit.
La Familia - garbage.

and Nickels and Dimes --- to ME - it's one of his better closers in his catalogs.
I LOVE THE GONJA SUFI sample.

album was good. it wasn't spectacular, it wasn't the best Jay album ever.
But it was entertaining and I listened to it for a long while.

and if you look at the tracklisting / production credits -- some interesting stuff in there if you're curious.




so I'm ready for a new one as long as he isn't trap yapping.
2991811, I still think Jay has one more album in him....
Posted by rorschach, Sun Jun-18-17 05:47 AM
If he goes into album mode with the same energy he carried into The Black Album sessions, I'm confident we will get another great album. Jay-Z has been absent from music long enough to have a lot to rap about.

This would be the best opportunity to drop an album because there really aren't anymore mainstream rap albums coming artists in his era anymore. Nas' album is done (allegedly) but there's no promise we'll hear it any time soon.
2991814, He's established a good-bullshit-good pattern
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sun Jun-18-17 09:54 AM
For always insisting he's above the noise, he clearly pays attention to how his stuff is received and makes a point of correcting his public perception on his next outing if his last outing was panned.

This is especially the case post Blueprint 1 where he found himself flush with a newfound credibility.

Naturally he doubled down and established the "Blueprint" franchise the next time out on BP 2. Had he just shaved it down to a single disc it would've been great.

No matter, he responded with The Black Album. This was the transcendent record that catapulted him from rap star to rock star. It sounded like a Greatest Hits album then and still sounds like one now.

He manufactured a comeback narrative on Kingdom Come and released, by far, the worst record of his career trying to be everything to everybody.

But if Kingdom Come doesn't blow so hard you probably don't get the fabulous American Gangster record. Who cares if the "why" for it was ham-fisted, it's a great album.

Now headlining festivals across the globe and flush with comeback goodwill, he tasked ascending supernova Kanye West to EP the Blueprint 3. It's a cluttered mess chock-full of Coachella-ready anthems but few authentic songs.

Whereas BP3 was Jay asking the still-junior Kanye to do it his way, Kanye was so massive by Throne that he was able to persuade Hov to do it the Ye way. Throne features some of Jay's most inspired and focused rapping. It's kind of all over the place - that's what you get with Kanye - but it's an example of just how special Jay-Z still could be.

Magna Carta is about as fulfilling as gas station pizza; the prospect of it was exciting, it wasn't especially awful in the moment, but it's shittiness lingered with you long after you've taken it in.

Point is, he's due for something good. I too think he has it in him. But he needs to break from his usual mold. We know what he can do with Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. What can he do with Mike Will ?
2992351, I agree on everything except Kingdom Come.....
Posted by rorschach, Tue Jun-27-17 12:49 PM
I feel like the hype for that album killed it. While you're right Jay was trying to be everything to everyone on that album, there are legit great songs on that album. I see BP3 and MCHG as worse albums.

---------------------------------------


---------------------------------------
2992363, Agreed.
Posted by Brew, Tue Jun-27-17 02:39 PM
>I feel like the hype for that album killed it. While you're
>right Jay was trying to be everything to everyone on that
>album, there are legit great songs on that album. I see BP3
>and MCHG as worse albums.

^^^ yes. This. But like you said, everything else TW said was on point for sure. He def goes back and forth every outing, essentially.
2991817, SOMETHINGS gotta come out this summer
Posted by DJR, Sun Jun-18-17 01:23 PM
Going back 5-6 years we had Kanye/Jay, Nas, Yeezus, Jay, Dr. Dre.

Not that they were all good, but they were all summer "event" albums that I anticipated.
2991824, Dropping 6/30...
Posted by The Analyst, Sun Jun-18-17 04:18 PM
Posters now have Jay's name on them (this time spelled "Jay:Z").

http://www.complex.com/music/2017/06/jay-z-tidal-4-44-release-date
2991831, I can't believe after that last bust Samsung stunt...
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sun Jun-18-17 05:45 PM
...he'd do this shit again
2991833, Was it a bust though???
Posted by ChampD1012, Sun Jun-18-17 06:14 PM
I mean...it worked...LOL...
2991840, How could it be deemed a success
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sun Jun-18-17 07:10 PM
Jay himself admitted it didn't work with the Breakfast Club. Surely thousands checked in to hear the album at just the minute it was supposed to drop and when it didn't work they didn't come back
2992357, if you're a plaque chaser, it's got that going for it
Posted by Nodima, Tue Jun-27-17 01:34 PM

~~~~~~~~~
"This is the streets, and I am the trap." � Jay Bilas
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/archive/contributor/517
Hip Hop Handbook: http://tinyurl.com/ll4kzz
2991827, Could it be "For (4): Obama (44th prez)"
Posted by Stringer Bell, Sun Jun-18-17 04:53 PM
Has that been considered? Seems like an obvious possibility.

*Edit* Now I see somebody above said that as well.

2991871, pretty sure that's what it means
Posted by liveguy, Mon Jun-19-17 12:02 PM
2991872, I was thinking it was for Blue Ivy and the twins.
Posted by Brew, Mon Jun-19-17 12:12 PM
4 (representing one) then 44 (representing two for the twins).

Probably wrong but that came to mind this morning.

The intrigue behind the title will be more interesting than the music, I do know that for sure.
2992358, now you've got me thinking its just an EP lol
Posted by Nodima, Tue Jun-27-17 01:51 PM

~~~~~~~~~
"This is the streets, and I am the trap." � Jay Bilas
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/archive/contributor/517
Hip Hop Handbook: http://tinyurl.com/ll4kzz
2992398, I have no reason to think it'll be good, and yet I'm holding out hope it is
Posted by Tiger Woods, Tue Jun-27-17 09:52 PM
2992486, Well I'll be damned. It's actually good.
Posted by Tiger Woods, Thu Jun-29-17 11:33 PM
2992498, RE: Well I'll be damned. It's actually good.
Posted by jimaveli, Fri Jun-30-17 12:22 AM
>

I love how it didn't leak in pretty much any way. Jay is supreme at that. It helps with the 'mystique' so much. Most albums lack that nowadays. I refuse to believe that it doesn't negatively impact how folks 'appreciate' albums. Some other time!

I like this 4:44 after 2 listens. I was almost sure that I wouldn't. 36 minutes too...he got in and out and didn't play around on most of the songs. I'm happy with it. He got in enough 'confessional' stuff to satisfy folks who wanted that but I'm more happy that he can still spit and was willing/interested enough to do it in 2017 for no good reason at all. Maybe not wanting to be considered 'done' is all it takes for cats like Jay. Sweet.

No ID laced him too so there's that.

If 'old' rappers are gonna show up and make good/solid albums now, I'm about to be listening to rap in my 40s. Just when I thought I was almost out, that damn Tribe album dropped.
2992502, leaks are usually from physical cds
Posted by xangeluvr, Fri Jun-30-17 02:54 AM
since this is tidal exclusive it seems easier to keep from leaking since cds were always shipped early so they were available on release day.
2992487, Listening now (thanks Sprint haha)
Posted by Ishwip, Thu Jun-29-17 11:39 PM

__
I don't like the beat anymore because its just a loop. ALC didn't FLIP IT ENOUGH!

Flip it enough? Flip these. Flip off. Go flip some f*cking burgers.(c)Kno

Allied State of the National Electric Beat Treaty Organization (NEBTO)
2992492, INBOX PLEASE!!! n/m
Posted by 1-UP, Fri Jun-30-17 12:03 AM
2992493, easiest thing to do is sign up for Tidal with a dummy email
Posted by Tiger Woods, Fri Jun-30-17 12:05 AM
and set a reminder to cancel it in 29 days
2992494, RE: easiest thing to do is sign up for Tidal with a dummy email
Posted by 1-UP, Fri Jun-30-17 12:10 AM
I don't want to even remotely support the idea of streaming platform exclusives by padding their number of accounts - even if they don't get my money.
2992495, that'll show em
Posted by Tiger Woods, Fri Jun-30-17 12:14 AM
2992496, is that not what they want?
Posted by 1-UP, Fri Jun-30-17 12:19 AM
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
2992499, RE: easiest thing to do is sign up for Tidal with a dummy email
Posted by jimaveli, Fri Jun-30-17 12:32 AM
>I don't want to even remotely support the idea of streaming
>platform exclusives by padding their number of accounts - even
>if they don't get my money.

I'm nobody. OKP is where I'm still doing brain dumps/blog-length posts when I take time to do it. It's 2017. AKA I'm old!

Having written that...

Is it crazy for me to ask folks to 'die on a different hill' than this?

IE: Trump is president. Folks around me are sick / cancer is some ho ass shit. My dog died a week ago and my kid cried like crazy about it and I took my old ass to work right after that shit cuz I 'had shit to do at work'. AKA as I get old(er), I'm firmly clear that there's worse things than maybe incidentally/indirectly giving Shawn Corey Carter a few bucks.

In other words, get tidal. Jam the album. Cancel it before you have to pay. Enjoy yourself. We could be gone whenever.
2992500, RE: easiest thing to do is sign up for Tidal with a dummy email
Posted by 1-UP, Fri Jun-30-17 12:44 AM
Its not that big of a deal really (unlike cancer, trump, etc.) Your reaction seems to be larger than the non-action of asking not DL'ing and asking for an inbox instead.

Seriously though, very sorry to hear about your dog :(
2992503, but you are ok with stealing?
Posted by xangeluvr, Fri Jun-30-17 02:58 AM
>I don't want to even remotely support the idea of streaming
>platform exclusives by padding their number of accounts - even
>if they don't get my money.

your reply makes it sound like you don't want to start a dummy account for some moral reason or some shit, but you are totally ok with just straight up asking for a download link so that you can outright steal it.

weird.
2992533, Yes I am OK with stealing it. Someone inbox me plz
Posted by guru0509, Fri Jun-30-17 10:32 AM
>>I don't want to even remotely support the idea of streaming
>>platform exclusives by padding their number of accounts -
>even
>>if they don't get my money.
>
>your reply makes it sound like you don't want to start a dummy
>account for some moral reason or some shit, but you are
>totally ok with just straight up asking for a download link so
>that you can outright steal it.
>
>weird.
2992541, RE: but you are ok with stealing?
Posted by 1-UP, Fri Jun-30-17 10:56 AM
Moral reason? More like slightly annoyed consumer who doesn't want to jump through hoops every time theres an exclusive hov/ye album.

If I could just buy it I probably would. I don't even really DL music anymore except for instances such as this. Actually - with Pablo I bought the preorder package with the shirt and STILL had to download it to hear it when it dropped because of all of the non-sense with that release. I didn't get the download link from Tidal until weeks after the release.

This isn't the healthcare bill we're discussing - its the new jay z album. Its really not that serious. I swear - nothing stops the self righteous dick measuring on OKP.
2992501, RE: So this is dope
Posted by rmcphedr, Fri Jun-30-17 01:14 AM
highlights are 4:44, legacy...

Not really any weak tracks on there. It's too early to say, but i might prefer this to kung fu kenny's project.

those womanising confessionals are resonating like hell.
2992505, Jay Z's best album in almost a decade
Posted by justin_scott, Fri Jun-30-17 05:17 AM
i don't care for the beat to Caught Their Eyes, but man, Jay didn't get that Songwriters HOF spot for nothing.
2992523, ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posted by bwood, Fri Jun-30-17 09:32 AM
Nigga is rapping.

And about grown man shit too.
2992524, RE: Jay Z's best album in almost a decade
Posted by xangeluvr, Fri Jun-30-17 09:35 AM
Content aside, sounds like his flow is lazy as hell on a good portion of the songs. Granted I need a more thorough listen, but that just first impression.
2992525, I don't think flow is "lazy", I think the delivery is muted on purpose
Posted by Tiger Woods, Fri Jun-30-17 09:41 AM
Some of these songs actually sound like he recorded them on a laptop in a closet. And I think that's on purpose, this is the most confessional he's ever sounded.
2992545, I think that flow is a byproduct of that content
Posted by Cold Truth, Fri Jun-30-17 11:12 AM
2992564, it's stripped down. natural. mature.
Posted by ternary_star, Fri Jun-30-17 05:32 PM
i didn't know i needed this style of rap in my life before hearing this shit.

he's not "performing". he's just talking to us. it's a musical podcast. just getting real shit off his chest.

this album makes other overproduced rap albums look ridiculous.
2992626, I've heard Jay Hovi's Home the shit outta songs before....
Posted by High Society, Sat Jul-01-17 06:56 PM
I've heard him go in and out and bounce and do a lot of things.
I actually am glad we didn't get Jay doing that on this album.

like for instance... "I'm not black! I'm OJ....... okay."

the way he uses the space and then the way he says the word "okay"
is PERFECT.

4:44 - I didn't need him to You Must Love Me or Where I'm From the flow...
I wanted him to spill his guts and be HONEST.

Remember on Vol. 3, "There's Been a Murder" ?
It's back to Shawn Carter the hustler, JAY-Z is dead.
Minus the hustler part...

This album is a Shawn Carter album.
I know NoID was exec producer and people saying
that he did more than make provide beats on this album (and he did!)

According to the RS article w/ NoID, he said him and Jay really
didn't know each other that well.
But when Jay said, whatcha working on? got any music?
NoID said, no not really. wasn't inspired, didn't really want to work w/ Jay.

Then NoID said he went back to using samples, inspired by Quincy Jones
quotes, and articles, and interviews and NoID realized that I CAN USE SAMPLES
because at end of the day - that's my thing and I CAN make something amazing.

Went back to Jay with some music. Asked Jay what he's been listening to?
Said gimme a playlist of what you're on right now.
That's why Jay is credited as producer on some songs.
(the songs where he gave NoID the sample to use)

They'd sit for hours and just chat, speak about life, spirituality, family.
Jay was opening up to someone, from what it looks like, he didn't know well.

As far as Jay "speaking to us"... that's what the flow sounded like on BP.
He was in that zone, conversational flow. It's sort of always been associated
with Jay since RD. DEFINITELY since Vol.1

I wasn't sure what I wanted from this album,
I just know what the hell I didn't want.

What we got was a Shawn Carter album. I love it.
If we get 3 more songs, Adnis and 2 others on a physical release...
They wont be a Trackmasters song sticking out like a sore thumb on Blueprint.

I'll take them. Because if Jay got 3 more he feels that strong about..
I wanna hear them.

This is his most honest album since Vol. 1 when BIG died.
2992506, usedta wanna rhyme like common sense...
Posted by 2.tears.in.a.bucket, Fri Jun-30-17 05:20 AM
miss me w/this whole shit

2992510, Sounds like a very different Jay-z album to me
Posted by stone_phalanges, Fri Jun-30-17 08:11 AM
This Album sounds more sincere musically, like it's the first album he really has nothing to prove isn't attempting to follow/create trends or anything just the dopest album he could make. I'd be curious to see how the audience will react to it. It's almost made with a Jcole sensibility. It's just raps and beats and skill it lacks the genre bending and frenetic energy in modern rap. Not really any responses to critics. This may be his best since the black album (admittedly not saying much for some people).


I'll need to give it more spins, but this could be a top tier jay album for me.
2992512, agreed
Posted by Ashy Achilles, Fri Jun-30-17 09:01 AM
not sure if i like it better than american gangster yet tho
2992513, Agreed. Probably the best Jay-Z album we could hope for in 2017...
Posted by The Analyst, Fri Jun-30-17 09:07 AM
2992514, how are the beats???
Posted by My_SP1200_Broken_Again, Fri Jun-30-17 09:08 AM
2992520, No I.D. did the whole album.
Posted by The Analyst, Fri Jun-30-17 09:19 AM
Beats range from good to great. None of them are whack.
2992588, You'll like them
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Sat Jul-01-17 12:39 AM
2992833, this is hilarious
Posted by Robert, Tue Jul-04-17 11:36 AM
years of reading My_SP1200's posts here + this response = i can guess exactly what this album sounds like





also: link anyone? (apparently you can't sign up for Tidal freetrials in costa rica)
2992522, The Story of OJ (Video):
Posted by wrecknoble, Fri Jun-30-17 09:29 AM
https://streamable.com/frvxd

dope af
2992526, I signed up for Tidal too late
Posted by Ceej, Fri Jun-30-17 09:45 AM
Can I just buy the fucking thing?
2992534, have you tried? I signed up last night at 8pm
Posted by Tiger Woods, Fri Jun-30-17 10:32 AM
seems like they caught it last minute...they're saying the deadline was 6/26 but I signed up last night
2992535, Lol, right? Fuck Sprint too. Shitty ass network and all.
Posted by guru0509, Fri Jun-30-17 10:33 AM
>Can I just buy the fucking thing?
2992536, Let me just switch to a shittier service so I can hear an album
Posted by Ceej, Fri Jun-30-17 10:37 AM
I'll eat the $200 early cancellation fee no problem.
2992537, it begs the question of who, if anyone, is big enough to do this
Posted by Tiger Woods, Fri Jun-30-17 10:39 AM
could even Taylor Swift persuade enough people to make that kind of move?
2992557, If she tried, she would need to do a full court press marketing wise
Posted by Ceej, Fri Jun-30-17 01:39 PM
Its possible but i cant imagine it would do super numbers but it may not take a ton to reap the benefits
2992540, RE: Let me just switch to a shittier service so I can hear an album
Posted by TR808, Fri Jun-30-17 10:52 AM
>I'll eat the $200 early cancellation fee no problem.


I guess you mean sprint...

but you can sign up for Tidal for free...


2992556, Yea, if you sign up for Tidal today u still cant listen to the album w/o sprint
Posted by Ceej, Fri Jun-30-17 01:37 PM
2992542, It's out there
Posted by bwood, Fri Jun-30-17 11:00 AM
I just burned it to a CD and about to see how it sounds in the whip. Fuck Tidal.
2992538, We had a post about best rap album by someone over 40 didn't we?
Posted by phemom, Fri Jun-30-17 10:40 AM
....because this is the one.
2992539, nah De La and Tribe do. n/m
Posted by kelvinmercerlookalike, Fri Jun-30-17 10:50 AM

*CROCKER*

word booty.

HSUBAKCITS




http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r9/chowyunskinny/Gold%20Chef/iron_chef.jpg
2992544, Nope.
Posted by Cold Truth, Fri Jun-30-17 11:07 AM
2992555, Common's Black America Again deserves mention as well.
Posted by Numba_33, Fri Jun-30-17 01:10 PM
I'm still waiting for that to get pressed on vinyl; dunno if that's ever going to happen though.
2992563, ^^^^ sure fucking does.
Posted by Brew, Fri Jun-30-17 04:31 PM
I listen to that album front to back fairly often still. It is so damn good.
2992543, Yep.
Posted by Cold Truth, Fri Jun-30-17 11:07 AM
2992550, nope
Posted by The3rdOne, Fri Jun-30-17 12:09 PM
2992554, YES!
Posted by Cold Truth, Fri Jun-30-17 01:06 PM
2992546, agreed
Posted by Ray_Snill, Fri Jun-30-17 11:13 AM
I've listened to it like 5 times and I'm still picking up lines. I gotta edit this joint now, I want my little nieces and nephews to hear this



<=========================================
https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PYzh4v9cSf4FDnq3yMQyqNqh79o=/800x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4079674/jlio.0.gif
2992547, 4 complete listens and I'm really liking this. Surprise of 2017 so far
Posted by Ishwip, Fri Jun-30-17 11:27 AM
Way more soulful than I was expecting. No radio pop hit, club banger attempts. No I.D. killed it. Jay rappin'.

__
I don't like the beat anymore because its just a loop. ALC didn't FLIP IT ENOUGH!

Flip it enough? Flip these. Flip off. Go flip some f*cking burgers.(c)Kno

Allied State of the National Electric Beat Treaty Organization (NEBTO)
2992560, so Adnis isn't on here?
Posted by fontgangsta, Fri Jun-30-17 03:12 PM
the song from the teaser.
wonder if it will be released in full at some point...
2992571, Young Guru said it'll be on physical copies
Posted by zero, Fri Jun-30-17 08:21 PM
https://twitter.com/Young_Guru/status/880933874800312320

"Guys calm down Adnis will be on the physical copies. If you guys act right I may slip a couple other songs on there.. shhh don't tell jay"
2992620, supposedly. Adnis is a full joint.
Posted by High Society, Sat Jul-01-17 05:52 PM
and will be included with 2 more on physicals.
2992561, Jay Z in therapy.....I'm digging it...
Posted by murph71, Fri Jun-30-17 03:20 PM


Pleasantly surprised....
2992575, For being fancying himself so business savvy, this rollout blows
Posted by Tiger Woods, Fri Jun-30-17 09:29 PM
It's a shame this is so inaccessible for people because it's actually great
2992576, surprisingly good
Posted by Kosa12, Fri Jun-30-17 09:31 PM
his best since American Gangster
2992577, This is dope
Posted by Anonymous, Fri Jun-30-17 09:43 PM
Not feeling Moonlight but I can rock with the rest
2992578, Only a little over 36 minutes long
Posted by Numba_33, Fri Jun-30-17 10:01 PM
and Jay-Z manages to take so many shots at so many folks. Gotta wonder if folks will respond in kind.
2992580, And here a dumb Beyonce question
Posted by Numba_33, Fri Jun-30-17 10:18 PM
Did Beyonce say one of the Amens on Family Feud?
2992585, all of them
Posted by fontgangsta, Fri Jun-30-17 11:30 PM
shes an uncredited guest on that song
2992590, Wise Intelligent gave a better review than I would have (FB swipe)
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Sat Jul-01-17 12:48 AM
The only thing I disagree with him on is
favorite songs although I like all the
songs. Wise' last hashtag tho lol.

(FB swipe)
OK, JAY Z has always been, IMO, one of the dopest writers/emcees to ever pick up a pen. He's ALWAYS been that dope to me, and has never released an entirely "wack" album. I am a fan (of a lot of emcees). Sometimes I'm a satisfied fan, and still some other times a disappointed fan, and critical from that vantage point - but NEVER a "hater."
THAT SAID, I've listened to the new 4:44 album. I thought it was dope (in a Hip Hop way). I tried to go into it without the influence of other people's opinions of the album weighing too heavily on my own. Firstly, the tracks I liked most were/are - Kill Jay Z, Caught The Eye, and 4:44. I found the album in its totality to be the same braggadocious Jay Z just from the vantage point of a more experienced 47 year old. I mean at his age, if you can't part some wisdom gained from past experience you shouldn't say shit in the first place. its like Chuck D said "At my age if I can't teach, I shouldn't even open my mouth to speak."
I WOULDN'T CALL IT, as many have, a "WOKE" album. I know for some, songs like "The Story of O.J." played a part in helping them formulate that opinion of the album. As well as referring to himself as Nat Turner, and suggesting the rich white and powerful are going to kill him for saying "too much." However, I don't think he said much. He invoked Lauryn Hill as an example, but Lauryn challenged the Pope on pedophilia in the Catholic Church - AT THE VATICAN on CHRISTMAS!!! She denounced American capitalism before a federal judge. Lauryn courageously peeled the skin off of white racism, police terrorism and the oppression of black people and women LIVE ON MTV UnPlugged. She literally forfeited the commercial lime, deliberately and conscientiously, because the lifestyles of the "rich & famous" did not bode well with her psychosocial, psychospiritual and or political orientation. 4:44 couldn't have been a skit in that reality.
APART FROM the recordings that addressed his personal life in detail the album was Jay Z, i.e., dope, witty, clear and lyrically unparrelled as he always is. As far as the "WOKE(NESS)" he didn't expound on anything he hasn't peppered his schemes with in previous offerings. He's always had, and occasionally invoked, the knowledge he displayed on this album in his past works. He's never been stupid, or oblivious to the racial politics of the USA. Many black people not considered "woke" are aware of the racism they face day in and day out in this white power-structure, its hard not to be.
IN CONCLUSION its a dope ass album! No I.D. delivered. Jay Z delivered as he does more often than he does not. But for me, if the album strikes you as "WOKE", either you've awaken in the second level, second phase sleep in the same dream (ala inception), or I've altogether never understood what it means to be woke? In short, I thoroughly enjoyed the album...
#JayZ444
#Woke
#MaybeTheRichestFieldNiggaEver
#WhenLifeGivesHerLemonsLeverageTheLemonadeStand
2992594, That's a review of the reviews, really
Posted by connectpoliticditto, Sat Jul-01-17 07:49 AM
Seems like he digs the album but doesn't agree with how it's being received?
2992595, It's a review of the album and the "woke" claim some are making
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Sat Jul-01-17 08:47 AM
But this is apparent in the review itself,
particularly if one reads the first paragraph.
After that he goes more into his reasoning
for why he he's not on board with the 'woke'
tag, using specific references made my Jay
himself on the album.
I'll just assume you skimmed it?
But yes, he enjoyed the album but didn't
agree with the 'woke' claim... again,
this is very apparent in the review itself,
particularly if one reads the conclusion.



2992597, It's a bad review tbh
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sat Jul-01-17 10:08 AM
But it's a fine response of one's feelings I guess
2992601, Put that on me. He doesn't call it a review. It's a FB status.
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Sat Jul-01-17 10:33 AM
I like it as a review tho
*shrugs*




2992808, Here's the IMPORTANT part not in the FB post
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Tue Jul-04-17 12:16 AM
"FOR THE RECORD, in this assessment of the record I intentionally avoided going in on the several, usual, on time and on schedule contradictions, like say - the billionaire “field nigga” with maids, butlers and no underground railroad or Bacon’s Rebellion to free other “field niggers” (his being black stopped that comparison just short of a Bill Maher moment) - almost suggesting that the acquisition of wealth by an individual in this oppressive system is black liberation, and or “collectively” surmounting this racialized, antiblack power-structure is as simple as having “credit” after all that’s how “the Jews did it” (but did they?)
I chose not to point out how the album - like all Jay-Z albums is rooted in economic determinism as the ONLY measure by which to interpret the world; and or how the album does not seem to address racism from the vantage point of an entire people vs an entire antiblack power-structure, rather on the individual & personal level only.
In my assessment of the album I decided to let the incredible emcee that Jay Z is - live, and not diminish that by addressing what many of us know Jay Z is not, and has not been - by deliberate, conscious and intentional choice, and not because of ignorance nor “sleep.” That being - a BLACK NATIONALIST!"

Full post: http://wiseintelligent.tumblr.com/post/162473736321/the-story-of-o-jay-z-an-emcees-assessment-of-444
2992596, No ID has beat makers around the world shedding a tear...
Posted by Seven, Sat Jul-01-17 10:01 AM
...the production is amazing.
jay did his thing too...

Couldn't have asked for a better album from him
2992600, Rolling Stone interviews No I.D. (laink x good read)
Posted by phemom, Sat Jul-01-17 10:27 AM
I.D. breaks down how the record happened. Looking forward to the 3 extra tracks, and if Vic Mensa got beats as good as Hov got the album is gonna be awesome.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/444-producer-no-id-talks-pushing-jay-z-creating-500-ideas-w490602

If I were a rapper w/a budget I'd be calling about those other 450 odd beats...
2992602, Man, we've gotten away from using one producer for a whole album
Posted by legsdiamond, Sat Jul-01-17 10:56 AM
and this is what makes this album so dope.

That was a great read.
2992605, No I.D. is a true producer.
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Sat Jul-01-17 11:14 AM
I recall Common talking about how No ID
pushed him to bring it harder on tracks,
because Com was coming weak on his first
takes. Reading No ID talk about how he
basically played therapist to Jay as he
opened up, then pushed him to tell WHY
he wanted a Picasso or boxing him in
using the sample. He says he can't take
credit for Jay saying what he wanted to
say, but it sounds like he's responsible
for us not getting run-of-the mill Jay-Z
lyrics and him bringing us another layer
of honesty.
2992715, I remember this as well. He's old school.
Posted by Brew, Sun Jul-02-17 10:16 PM
>I recall Common talking about how No ID
>pushed him to bring it harder on tracks,
>because Com was coming weak on his first
>takes.

Yea I remember reading this around the time The Dreamer/The Believer dropped. Comm said NoID is the sole reason "Ghetto Dreams" came out as dope as it did. NoID challenged him to rhyme like the young, hungry Chicago kid and Comm came with it in response.


>Reading No ID talk about how he
>basically played therapist to Jay as he
>opened up, then pushed him to tell WHY
>he wanted a Picasso or boxing him in
>using the sample. He says he can't take
>credit for Jay saying what he wanted to
>say, but it sounds like he's responsible
>for us not getting run-of-the mill Jay-Z
>lyrics and him bringing us another layer
>of honesty.
2992784, Invocation & Hungry...
Posted by High Society, Mon Jul-03-17 06:23 PM
listened to last night...

along w/ joints like 1-9-9-9, Respiration...
were reasons why Com was my no.1 emcee for so long, even through EC.
(an album now maybe a decade ahead of its time I felt from spin 1.)


2992797, Yea. I'm a well-known Common stan but ...
Posted by Brew, Mon Jul-03-17 09:35 PM
>listened to last night...
>
>along w/ joints like 1-9-9-9, Respiration...
>were reasons why Com was my no.1 emcee for so long, even
>through EC.
>(an album now maybe a decade ahead of its time I felt from
>spin 1.)

All those songs you just named, and kinda his entire run from like 1994 - 2002, specifically 1997-2000, is amongst the best run for an MC in hip-hop history. He was in a zone very, very few MCs have reached in that 97-00 window, IMO. He was introspective, witty, funny, had amazing flow, cadence, "swag" ... and those tracks you just named are among the best of the best during that period.
2992806, including Tek-Zilla and Sun God
Posted by High Society, Mon Jul-03-17 11:51 PM
TekZilla - a more serious Com.
Sun God - a more playful Com. (Try not to say shute around my daughter she already know ta blast)

Respiration - I think he had the best verse.
"...mixing down emotions, struggle I hadn't mastered..."
"From the crib I spent months gone, sat by the window w/ a clutched dome
Listening to shorties cuss long, young girls w/ weak minds but they butts strong..."

plenty more bars in that song but...

"...ask my guy how he thought traveling the world sound,
found it hard to imagine he hadn't been passed downtown..."

I know somebody people in Nola that this line applies to.


2992809, who did the beat for "The Truth" on Pharoahe Monch album?
Posted by High Society, Tue Jul-04-17 12:39 AM
"...see the truth in the thighs of a stripper, the eyes of my....
If it's only one then why should it differ? So constantly I seek it
Wondering why I gotta drink a 6 pack to speak it..."


Com used to be my number 1 for years.

Hold the mic like a memory
they say I'm nice with metaphors but these are similes

and then he ends the verse with a metaphor...

just a crazy Chi cat rhyming.

Resurrection -- had lyrics going over my head for YEARS.
I'm sure if I went back to it now, I'd smile at something new
that I've learned through the years, I didn't know then.
2992854, You just blew my mind homie !
Posted by Brew, Tue Jul-04-17 08:56 PM
I'm still coming down from an earlier beach high but you just named so many of my favorite bars from those verses/songs.

I'll come back tomorrow with a more proper response but just wanted to mention all the head nodding I did while reading these 2 posts haha.
2992855, To answer your question tho: looks like it was Diamond D
Posted by Brew, Tue Jul-04-17 09:00 PM
Had to google that one myself ... but shit, that song is so good and underrated. I have fond memories of listening to that track during football season my senior year in high school. That beat somehow chilled me out before games. Which is kinda strange cause I wouldn't really describe the beat as "mellow".

Anyway that song is flames.
2992903, yup...that's a Diamond D gem.
Posted by liveguy, Wed Jul-05-17 03:26 PM
2992613, Fantastic read thank you
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sat Jul-01-17 01:22 PM
2992614, Fantastic read thank you
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sat Jul-01-17 01:22 PM
2992607, Damn this is a good ass album
Posted by illEskoBar221, Sat Jul-01-17 11:37 AM
very personal
feels like blueprint, if hov had've left "that nigga jigga"
and "all i need" on the cutting room floor

with being said tracks 1-7 is an amazing sequential run
2992608, Is one of the 4's for Blueprint 4?
Posted by Anonymous, Sat Jul-01-17 11:37 AM
I saw that somewhere...
2992627, whaaaaaaat? All I Need has to be on BP1 for the bass line alone
Posted by High Society, Sat Jul-01-17 07:04 PM
If you woulda said Renegade.... I might've agreed with ya.
Because in this post, I've said trackmasters joint on BP sticks out like sore thumb.
Though I still listen to it when it comes on.
2992716, All I Need is an unbelievable song.
Posted by Brew, Sun Jul-02-17 10:17 PM
Dude's crazy for wanting to cut that.
2992750, ^^^^
Posted by jigga, Mon Jul-03-17 09:48 AM
missed me w/ that one too
2992764, Church
Posted by Tiger Woods, Mon Jul-03-17 11:58 AM
2992822, Bink!
Posted by Mr. ManC, Tue Jul-04-17 08:50 AM
2992609, ya'll catching the shots Hov is throwing all over this album?
Posted by illEskoBar221, Sat Jul-01-17 11:42 AM
LOL

Fake Dracos all in the videos lol

The one that really had me chuckling was
"niggas is skipping leg day just to run they mouth"

"I hit the gym all chest no legs" 30 hrs


that was for my nigga 'Ye...cant lie he deserved that
2992625, he went heavy on Ye on Kill Jay-Z
Posted by ChampD1012, Sat Jul-01-17 06:42 PM
You walkin' around like you invincible

You dropped outta school, you lost your principles

I know people backstab you, I felt bad too

But this 'fuck everybody' attitude ain't natural

But you ain't a Saint, this ain't KumbaYe

But you got hurt because you did cool by 'Ye

You gave him 20 million without blinkin'

He gave you 20 minutes on stage, fuck was he thinkin'?
"
Fuck wrong with everybody?" is what you sayin'

But if everybody's crazy, you're the one that's insane

Man listen...
2992628, yeah skipping leg day just to talk shit, nothing compared to kill jay-z
Posted by High Society, Sat Jul-01-17 07:05 PM
n/m
2992948, but he didnt kill Ye on Kill Jay-z
Posted by illEskoBar221, Thu Jul-06-17 03:22 PM
Jay is king on subs
the point i was making is Jay throws these little subs all throughout the album


the Kill Jay-z ye line was obvious for anyone with 2 fucking ears my dude

2993089, yet you mentioned the skipping leg day 30 hrs line
Posted by High Society, Sat Jul-08-17 08:51 PM
which was MUCH clearer than a sub, lol.

I agree Jay didn't KILL Ye on the intro.
More or less talking to him about
hey, the way you moving out here got you looking crazy
and if we were friends at one point, to get back on track
some things about our relationship gotta change.

skipping leg day, in no way was a sub.
He ain't even try to sly talk sneak it over people's heads.
2992787, people dont know how to listen to music
Posted by atruhead, Mon Jul-03-17 07:17 PM
>You walkin' around like you invincible

>You dropped outta school, you lost your principles
>
I know people backstab you, I felt bad too

>But this 'fuck everybody' attitude ain't natural

>But you ain't a Saint, this ain't KumbaYe


this is either a conversation Jay Z is having with himself or a conversation someone who cares about him is having, the whole song is about breaking the perception of what people see "Jay Z" to be

>But you got hurt because you did cool by 'Ye

>You gave him 20 million without blinkin'

>He gave you 20 minutes on stage, fuck was he thinkin'?
"
>Fuck wrong with everybody?" is what you sayin'

>But if everybody's crazy, you're the one that's insane

this isnt dissing Kanye either, he's stating the reality of what happened
2993024, cant agree....
Posted by rorschach, Fri Jul-07-17 02:35 PM
Jay-Z drops subliminals and double (triple sometimes) entendres on damn near every album.

Kill Jay-Z is about Jay-Z taking himself to task for things he's said and done. Those lines are directed at both himself and Kanye (only subliminally but still). He does the same thing to Future twice later on in the album. Jay was talking about himself there too...but the subliminal still stands.
---------------------------------------


---------------------------------------
2992639, He really went in on Prince's Family
Posted by Adwhizz, Sun Jul-02-17 05:40 AM
I forget which song it was now, but Hov's feeling some type of way about not getting the Prince Msters
2992640, its his attorney who is named by name
Posted by Tiger Woods, Sun Jul-02-17 07:48 AM
The line about selling tickets to walk through his house is scathing
2992630, Lank
Posted by A Sizzle, Sat Jul-01-17 07:16 PM
444.tidal.com

Code is Sprint

Free FLAC download
2992641, ^^^^gentleman and a scholar^^^^
Posted by x49, Sun Jul-02-17 08:14 AM
that was way too easy lol

thanks
2992642, You da real MVP
Posted by Nick Has a Problem...Seriously, Sun Jul-02-17 08:50 AM
2992879, That's it? Wow. Thanks!
Posted by sectachrome86, Wed Jul-05-17 11:01 AM
2992644, Easily his second best post retirement LP
Posted by Nick Has a Problem...Seriously, Sun Jul-02-17 09:06 AM
I'm sure this will end up top 5 Jay album over time. Bring on the physical release!

Trying to figure out which one will be replaced
Reasonable Doubt (1996)
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
The Blueprint (2001)
The Black Album (2003)
American Gangster (2007)

Also, does this put pressure on Nas for his next release?
2992705, It’s his best album since American Gangster
Posted by ChampD1012, Sun Jul-02-17 10:04 PM
It’s sitting at the 5th best Jay album on my list...

This album is really good...

2992748, For fun, what's your Top 5 Hov records?
Posted by Tiger Woods, Mon Jul-03-17 09:29 AM
After this I've got

1. BP1
2. RD
3. Black Album
4. 4:44
5. American Gangster

though admittedly recency bias could explain 4:44 topping AG - I still LOVE the American Gangster record.

2992775, RE: For fun, what's your Top 5 Hov records?
Posted by ChampD1012, Mon Jul-03-17 02:27 PM
>After this I've got
>
>1. BP1
>2. RD
>3. Black Album
>4. 4:44
>5. American Gangster
>
>though admittedly recency bias could explain 4:44 topping AG -
>I still LOVE the American Gangster record.
>
>

Only difference between your list and mine is that I flip American Gangster and 4:44...

1. BP1
2. RD
3. Black Album
4. American Gangster
5. 4:44

4:44 can climb to four. I'm not ready yet though.
2992807, I'll play.
Posted by High Society, Mon Jul-03-17 11:59 PM
RD
BP
VOL. 1 (mine is edited - I've taken off Sunshine, Girls Like, Face Off)
AG
4:44 (the physical gonna add 3 songs, which gonna be just as fire
otherwise why include them. I'm interested in Adnis a lot. As I'm sure
a lot of males are that grew up w/o a father or one that was in and out
of there life most of the time)

probably.

If I'm cheating on Vol.1.... I'll add Black Album somewhere I guess.
But... 4:44 will probably pass up AG at some point.

Even though AG is really damn good.

2992786, RE: So uh.....what's with the 4:44 thing?
Posted by melanon, Mon Jul-03-17 07:14 PM
album is borderline embarrassing.
2992804, for old crotchety Hotep niggas like yaself, most definately
Posted by astralblak, Mon Jul-03-17 11:10 PM
must remind you how much of a teenager you are mentally
2992850, chill with the hotep shit
Posted by Garhart Poppwell, Tue Jul-04-17 05:37 PM
nothing slick or funny about using that word as an insult.
2992820, i wasn't expecting such a minimalist album from jay
Posted by Hellyeah, Tue Jul-04-17 07:31 AM
it's refreshing. not sure i LOVE IT yet but it's definitely some good ass shit
2992963, A third verse on Marcy Me...
Posted by High Society, Thu Jul-06-17 06:50 PM
that's that old Jigga flow on there.
Really coulda used a third verse on that one.
2992978, I've Heard It And Hated It
Posted by Dj Joey Joe, Thu Jul-06-17 09:30 PM
It was another thrown together project, the beats were okay but nothing special, Jay seemed too comfortable on the mic but not hungry and trying to do the trap rappin' which never worked for him.

Not a hater just heard way better material from him many years ago and expect that same vibe every album not just once in a blue moon, he's trying to go into Nas, Kanye, & Common's lane with subject matter but almost five to ten years too late homie...stay in your "Hustler" lane.

I've never cared for his personal rhymes on his albums and now he's tried to make a bunch of them and just bored me to skip to the next song after the first verse.

No I.D.'s beats aren't bad just plain, he did a better job when he got backed with Common, but even those beats were just aight, a friend said this album worked cause of the "one producer, one rapper" theory but to me it made me not hyped to want to hear the next song cause I knew it would all be on the same vibe, if a producer doesn't make me turn up my speaker or nod my head by the third track, then you ain't doing your job homie...no disrespect to No I.D. cause I still bump his solo album from time to time and miss that sound.

I'm glad I didn't have to pay for this cd or get it as a promo cause I would've hate to throw it in the trash or collect dust.


2992982, RE: I've Heard It And Hated It
Posted by melanon, Fri Jul-07-17 12:29 AM
^^^^Church!
2993023, yup... the album is cool... but i dont see myself going back to it..
Posted by My_SP1200_Broken_Again, Fri Jul-07-17 02:11 PM
...beats are fine, but nothing amazing ...the way people were jocking this record i was expecting to be blown away like when Blueprint dropped ..nice to hear jay finally rapping like an adult though


2992983, the 3 bonus tracks are out there.
Posted by High Society, Fri Jul-07-17 01:25 AM
Adnis - don't know why a bonus track. Whole song about his relationship w/ pops.
We've gotten that content from HOV before, but not like this.
Again, he really opens up and lets the listener in.

Blue Freestyle / We the Family
Blue raps better than these mumble rappers.
The beat is hard as hell imo. But a bit similar to BAM.
Jay flowing, I like this joint and so much instrumental on it
I can see plenty of freestyles coming...

ManyFacedGod
Story joint about the on the run tour together.
James Blake hook.
Last verse talks about fixing relationship if messed up.
some what of a continuation of 4:44.

I made the final tracklist look like this:
Kill JAY Z
The Story of OJ
Adnis (joint about his pops)
Smile (joint about his moms)
Caught Their Eyes
4:44
ManyFacedGod (the first verse works well after 4:44) imo.
Family Feud
Bam
Moonlight
Marcy Me
Blue's Freestyle / We Family
Legacy

final answer? final answer.
2993005, The physical is totally worth it for these tracks
Posted by cbk, Fri Jul-07-17 12:05 PM
>Adnis - don't know why a bonus track. Whole song about his
>relationship w/ pops.
>We've gotten that content from HOV before, but not like this.
>Again, he really opens up and lets the listener in.
>

Beautiful song. I always wanted him to make something like this.

>Blue Freestyle / We the Family
>Blue raps better than these mumble rappers.
>The beat is hard as hell imo. But a bit similar to BAM.
>Jay flowing, I like this joint and so much instrumental on it
>I can see plenty of freestyles coming...
>

Funny, she reminded me of Lil B on his based freestyle shit. And coincidentally, the title of the next song...

>ManyFacedGod
>Story joint about the on the run tour together.
>James Blake hook.
>Last verse talks about fixing relationship if messed up.
>some what of a continuation of 4:44.
>

Yeah, totally in theme with the album. Wonder why it was removed.

>I made the final tracklist look like this:
>Kill JAY Z
>The Story of OJ
>Adnis (joint about his pops)
>Smile (joint about his moms)
>Caught Their Eyes
>4:44
>ManyFacedGod (the first verse works well after 4:44) imo.
>Family Feud
>Bam
>Moonlight
>Marcy Me
>Blue's Freestyle / We Family
>Legacy
>

Looks good to me!

2993052, them joints are fiyyyaaaaaa
Posted by Hellyeah, Sat Jul-08-17 03:35 AM
2992984, He better not take another 4 years to drop something else.
Posted by phemom, Fri Jul-07-17 04:50 AM
Especially since Watch The Throne 2 is dead in the water.


I don't think Hov will ever retire, but I don't know what will pull him out of the business man mode once he finishes this next tour.
2992986, Jay is at a point in his career where he can drop an LP twice a decade
Posted by Nick Has a Problem...Seriously, Fri Jul-07-17 08:01 AM
He doesn't need to drop every two years
2993001, Up on Apple Music / iTunes as of today n/m
Posted by quikfit, Fri Jul-07-17 11:18 AM
2993011, Thank you. Copped.
Posted by JFrost1117, Fri Jul-07-17 12:39 PM
I'll cop the physical on vinyl, if possible.
2993057, Could this be the final album???
Posted by ChampD1012, Sat Jul-08-17 09:07 AM
If so, it would be a good way to close his career
2993074, Adnis
Posted by Kosa12, Sat Jul-08-17 04:00 PM
is incredible, how was this left off!?
2993106, switch the track listing up to like this
Posted by High Society, Sun Jul-09-17 11:29 AM
if able to however you listen...

Kill Jay Z
Story of OJ
Adnis (pops joint)
Smile (Gloria joint)
Caught Their Eyes
4:44

ManyfacedGod (first verse works well after 4:44, talking about On the Run tour
working through their issues together)
speaking of this joint, never thought I'd hear Jay rap over something like this
w/ James Blake on there.

Family Feud
BAM
Moonlight
Marcy Me
Blue's Freestyle / We Family
Legacy
2993110, It's on the physical release
Posted by Anonymous, Sun Jul-09-17 11:53 AM
2993080, Free 6 month Tidal subscription when purchased from Best Buy
Posted by Nick Has a Problem...Seriously, Sat Jul-08-17 05:40 PM
Guess I'm bout to give a streaming service some run
2993118, Shit, this is good.
Posted by Brew, Sun Jul-09-17 04:04 PM
I mostly dig on the production. It's intricate but understated. NoID didn't reinvent the wheel or anything like that but I just love his lush soundscapes. He always brings it.

I could do without the choppy flow Jay utilizes on a few tracks ... like the spoken word stuff. The content I love but I prefer rhyming in rhythm. That said, I can still appreciate that approach from him in trying to convey the message(s) he wanted to get across.

It's not a perfect album but I love the succinctness of it and it's definitely got a lot to unpack. But production-wise I'm in love with it for sure.
2993122, If I remember correctly,
Posted by High Society, Sun Jul-09-17 05:46 PM
you have said your "younger" lol.... than most on here.
Could be someone else, but if don't mind me asking,
how old are you?

answer may or may not lead me to ask another question, lol
2993123, Well I just realized I worded something really poorly. I'm 33 ...
Posted by Brew, Sun Jul-09-17 06:01 PM
... so not young at all. Haha.

But if you're about to reference my comment about the spoken word stuff, I worded that terribly. I love spoken word. Am a big fan of Malik Yusef and recently got a bit into The Last Poets and some other random spoken word stuff.

What I meant was that I'm not a huge fan of it coming from Jay. And to be even more specific, I really liked it when it was just on "Story of OJ" but was unhappy to find that he did it on a few other songs as well.
2993186, yeah we same age
Posted by High Society, Mon Jul-10-17 06:18 PM
I asked if younger because of some of the content.

Most people I've talked to about the album, have been our age or older
and so the "grown up" honest Jay-Z is what we've wanted to hear
for quite a while.

He's not the coolest guy in the room rhyming Jay-Z.
I love that Jay-Z lol.
But if would've got that on this album, I would've questioned
the man whose music I've loved since first "got him."
Meaning - hearing an album cut and saying oh shit - there's waaaaaay more
to this cat than just these dumb singles from Vol.1 and HKL.

Didn't really "discover" Jay till 98.
2993189, Totally.
Posted by Brew, Mon Jul-10-17 07:25 PM
>I asked if younger because of some of the content.
>
>Most people I've talked to about the album, have been our age
>or older
>and so the "grown up" honest Jay-Z is what we've wanted to
>hear
>for quite a while.

For sure. I said that to someone when I started reading the reviews of the album; my biggest gripes with BP3 and thereafter were primarily that it was transparent how badly he was just chasing trends rather than being honest with his audience. Everyone saw right through that bullshit. Which is why Life is Good resonated so much with us 90s cats, cause Nas was BRUUUUUTALLY honest with us (didn't hurt that the production was dope and he was rhyming his ass off too, no matter the content).

This album isn't *quite* on the level of Life is Good but it's in the same vein and comparable in so many ways. Damn good effort by Jay. Never thought I'd like another Jay album again.
2993192, is Nas your fav ever? lol
Posted by High Society, Mon Jul-10-17 07:37 PM
your life is good comments make me think, yes.

2993193, #2
Posted by Brew, Mon Jul-10-17 07:43 PM
Common is my personal #1.

But I am not, by any means, your typical "Nas won" JayZ hater. At all. Big JayZ fan, too. Just a bigger Nas fan. Haha.
2993194, I really like Life is Good.
Posted by High Society, Mon Jul-10-17 08:31 PM
it's one of Nas' best albums... but because of the production.
Nas always gonna be a great lyricist.
Some amazing lyrical displays on that album:

No Introduction
Locomotive and the return of Large P
A Queens Story - a different flow for Nas.
(Remi beat, meh. But the lyrics make ya listen.)

Daughters
World's an Addiction - I like a lot because of Nas' rhymes.
It's like One Mic where he gets to that point where you're just like
goddamn is he gonna stop rhyming? Just builds and builds.

all this from memory so if I forget one you think I should mention lemme know.

You Wouldn't Understand... prolly my fav song on the album.
Buckwild knows Nas' tempo like none other.
You Wouldn't Understand has that Nas flow where he's so in the pocket
that the vibe is just perfect. It's the perfect Nas bop.

The Don has been my joint since first heard it. That's just my steezo

Stay -- guess who is on the beat... haha, if the content Nas was dropping?
IE - if he was talking to Kelis.... it'd be the same thing that 4:44 is... lol.

Bye Baby - the opposite of 4:44... lol. another honest joint.


GREAT FUCKING NAS ALBUM.
I love Nas. probably in my top 5.
He rotates in and out of the bottom of it a lot of times.

Jay
Ghost
BIG
DOOM
and a few others including Nas, Prodigy, 3Stacks, and
sometimes I'll even put the guy who was my number 1
and nobody could ever tell me different.... Common lol.
But Common had other interests, nothing wrong with that.
I'm glad he's getting Hollywood dough here and there.
But his music has suffered in spots because of it, imo.
Never the less - if I had to pick 5 rappers music to bring on an island
forever and those were the only 5 rappers I could have....
(every song they've ever been on... freestyles, features, everything)

Com prolly gets to the island over Nas.
Shit - Big would probably have to come out because doesn't have
enough material.... but you get the point about the top 5.

anyways - 4:44 better than Life is Good lol.
Takeover better than Ether, Nas lost.

lmao - just fucking around.
2993190, "Smile" is the best song Jay's made in AGES.
Posted by Brew, Mon Jul-10-17 07:27 PM
Song isn't getting nearly enough attention as it deserves.

That beat is just out of this world. I love hip-hop man.
2993207, Smile and Marcy Me are every bit as good as the best stuff he's ever done
Posted by Tiger Woods, Tue Jul-11-17 01:16 AM
Those two are the gems from the album and sound as good right along Lucifer or U Don't Know or Ignorant Shit
2993213, Marcy Me is some fire.
Posted by Boogie Stimuli, Tue Jul-11-17 07:58 AM
The snare on Smile bothers me so much...
sounds like the cheapest snare on Reason drumkit.
2993219, Third verse on there is among the best in his catalog...
Posted by The Analyst, Tue Jul-11-17 09:36 AM
2993221, Yup. Exactly.
Posted by Brew, Tue Jul-11-17 09:43 AM
2993245, and Marcy Me NEEDED a third verse bc he was killing it.
Posted by High Society, Tue Jul-11-17 05:06 PM
2993265, Love the 4:44/Family Feud one two punch
Posted by topaz, Tue Jul-11-17 11:03 PM
Those vocal samples are so good. Marcy Me/Legacy sequence is a helluva way to close the album. And that beat change on ManyFacedGod!

Only thing I don't really like is the drum pattern on Smile, it sticks out like a sore thumb to me.
2993468, This is Grown Man Rap...
Posted by Sleepy, Mon Jul-17-17 11:36 AM
While the youngins can have rap, this grown man with families and children rap is so refreshing.

4:44 is probably my favorite song right now. I just stumbled upon the sample today. Dammit Dion...he did his thing. And naming the song after the time it was written. For a dude to get up at that time to write something shows there's some serious things to get off his chest.

But this b/w Nas' "Life is Good" is so...I don't know...refreshing. Honestly flawed rappers taking off the bravado and being vulnerable. It really speaks to me because it's so different than what was before. And maybe it's timing. Seeing life as a middle aged man shifts your perspective. These aren't the same guys from their debut albums. Finding these cats that have been build up as superhuman have the same problems as the reset of us, and have the ability to turn their pains, problems, and issues into great art is what makes me appreciate their gift.

But the funny thing about both of the albums is that they aren't dark albums. I like this joint and I really don't fool too much with Jay.
2994014, Jesus. Marcy Me still killing me.
Posted by Tiger Woods, Wed Aug-02-17 08:46 AM
Feels like pancakes and syrup the morning after. Like half a J at sunset.

"Hold the Uzi vertical, let the thing smoke/ ya'll flirting with death I be winking through the scope"