American Gangster [Explicit]

True Jay Z fans are gonna love this - should also check out the mixtape version International Gangsta - if ur a fan also check out Devin the Dude, Smoke Sessions Vol 1, jus hit billboard first time for Devin and first album since leaving Rapalot.

This concept album is loaded with good songs that showcase Jay-Z sill at the top of his game. If you want to hear three amazing verses laid down with a distinct purpose, listen to "Ignorant Sh**." Jay-Z just kills on that song. You don't get that kind of performance anywhere else. "Roc Boys" might have been the best rap song of 2007, combining the horns and Jay's talents. "I Know" is a soulful song that proves once again that Pharrell and Jay make a great combination. "Pray," which features Beyonce and a haunting beat, is another good effort. And the Marvin Gaye sample in "American Dreamin" makes that song a great listen.

There is a little bit of dead weight on the CD, but not much. A very fine CD by the king of the rap game.

He just gets better with age. I absolutely love this CD. The greatest thing about it is its versatility. You can listen to it to chill out in your car, in the bedroom, or at a party. You won't be disappointed!

I really dont even know why im even doing this review because i think people should already know just by looking at the album cover that if its JAY-Z aka "THE BOSS" its oviously 100% going to be a HISTORICAL item that you just NEED to have.So what are you waiting for;go on and get the cd of the living LEGAND.

Jay-Z's (A.K.A. Sean Carter) tenth album (first concept album) is "American Gangster" (2007) a thirteen track release (+ 2 Bonus) which features guest appearances from Beanie Sigel, Lil Wayne & Nas. Production comes from Chris Flame, Idris "Driis" Elba, Diddy, LV & Sean C for The Hitmen, Mario Winans, Bigg D, The Neptunes, Just Blaze, DJ Toomp, No I.D., Jermaine Dupri, & Just Blaze. I enjoyed the movie, thought everyone did a good job and it was interesting to see music artist's like Common, T.I., Anthony Hamilton & RZA playing small roles. People reading this review should know that in in recent year's I have become tired of a lot of Jay-Z's music, maybe to much overexposure, to much montonous (uninspired) lyrics or to many retirements. I still have Reasonable Doubt in my collection though, and over the year's have enjoyed some of Hov's contributions to the Rap Game. After the intro Jay-Z gets things going on "Pray" backed by some tight production from Diddy, LV & Sean C, and additional vocals from Beyonce & Cherri Dennis. Next up is "American Dreamin" which samples Marvin Gaye's "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again" and features additional backgrounds from Keon Bryce - Gaye's vocals are outstanding as always. "Hello Brooklyn 2.0." is an average track featuring Lil Wayne. "No Hook" opens with Denzel Washington dialogue from the movie, and has Hov talking about what it was like growing up and his parents. Jay-Z then drops a mediocre track to represent the "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...", the now second single features background vocals from Kayne West, Beyonce & Cassie. "Sweet" never really gets off the ground, while third single "I Know" is one of the most laidback track's on this release, Jay-Z rhymes about a special woman backed by some production from the Neptunes and background vocals from Pharell. Hov continues to talk to the ladies on "Party Life", then rhymes over the first of two Just Blaze contributions "Ignorant ****" Feat. Beanie Sigel. DJ Toomp "Say Hello" follows, this track was also remixed by rapper Fabulous. Nas & Jay-Z team up for another collaboration on "Success" with Nas dropping in at the end of the cut. No I.D./Jermaine Dupri produced "Fallin" is a track that bumps, Bilal provides some background vocals in a track which uses a sample of The Dramatic's of "Fell For You". The album's first single is the solid Neptunes produced "Blue Magic". My favourite track on this release is the closer and title track "American Gangster", Just Blaze samples Curtis Mayfield's "Short Eyes" which Jay-Z rhymes with confidence over some upbeat production. Stellar production can be found throughout this release, it is nice to see today's producer's bringing back another era of music and integrating it with their own, I enjoy the past sampling from artists like Marvin Gaye, The Dramatics & Curtis Mayfield. Jay-Z generally holds his own on this release though it an all to familiar routine for this reviewer. That said dedicated Hov fan's will throughly enjoy "American Gangster". 3.5.