Opening Opinion:
9.9/10
While not his best album, The Black Album is probably my
favorite album from Jigga. It was supposed to be his last album. I’m glad its
not, but it was good enough to be.
“What More Can I Say” produced by the Buchananas, is like
his “Hey I’ve got to be the best rapper ever song”….that’s the vibe I got from
it. Its really triumphant sounding. The first 2 tracks; “Interlude” and
“Decemeber 4th” are produced by Just Blaze. The latter features Jay’s
mom, Gloria. She does a good job of adding to the picture Jay Z paints. The
song is basically just about him growing up. The first track is nice too.
“Encore” is incredible. It might as well be like the trailer
or preview track for the entire album. It’s produced by Kanye West. I really
like when the crowd chants. It feels like a concert. Jay wants to be
appreciated here. “Change Clothes” was the first single I believe. It is so
glossy so bright sounding…and man is it infectious! The Neptunes really hit the
ball out the park on it. “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” is a Timbaland produced
track. TBH it might be Timbo’s defining work. The beat is perfect and Jay Z
kills it.
Produced by 9th Wonder is “Threat”, a track that
almost sounds out of place, but is still good. I like the dude on the chorus
too. I like the addition of the R.Kelly vocals too. Eminem produces “Moment of
Clarity”. It’s a good song sure, but kinda drags on a little too long. That
beat tho.
“99 Problems” is produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. I love
this song, and its arguably the best song here. Jay Z sounds really agitated
here too. “I got 99 Problems but a bitch aint one…hit me!”. The beat sounds
very throwbackish too. “Public Service Announcement” Is a dope interlude and is
also one of the best songs. I love the beat by Just Blaze.
The next track is decent, “Justify My Thug” is a DJ Quick
produced track. “Now if you shoot my dog, imma kill yo cat, just the unrwritten
laws in rap, know that” raps Jay Z. The beat is really good. In fact before I didn’t
even know who produced this song. Kanye
West returns for “Lucifer” a great track. I love the sample here. I think Jigga
is rappin in illuminati mode here lol.
“Allure” is Neptune produced and Pharrell Williams assisted
again. Its dope and sultry. “Man its just a game I just play it to play it”. The
song is kinda long but great. “My 1st Song” is ironic, cause I think
it was meant to be his last song. Biggie speaks on the beginning of the track.
The song has a sunset, my career is over, type of feel lol. I love it. He
shouts out people at the end of it.
In conclusion I don’t feel the album is a 10/10 but its aged
really well due to stellar production and great great bars from Jay Z.