Album Review:Jay-Z "Reasonable Doubt"

Reasonable Doubt is the debut album of American rapper Jay-Z, released June 25, 1996 on Roc-A-Fella Records in the United States and on Northwestside Records in the United Kingdom. The album features production by DJ Premier, Ski, Knobody and Clark Kent, and guest vocals by Memphis Bleek, Sauce Money and The Notorious B.I.G. It peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200, received platinum status in 2002, and sold 1.4 million copies as of 2006. Four singles were released, the most popular being "Ain't No Nigga" and "Can't Knock the Hustle". Both reached the top 40 in the United Kingdom, but were less popular in the United States; the former reached #50 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the latter reached #73.

Reasonable Doubt received strong critical reviews and has been heralded as Jay-Z's "crowning achievement", a seminal work and an "undisputed classic". Reasonable Doubt received a "4 Mics" rating from The Source,and five stars from Allmusic, the highest ratings issued by AMG. The Source ranks it among the top 100 albums of all time, Blender ranks it as one of the 500 best albums of all time, and Rolling Stone ranks it at 248 on their "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Reasonable Doubt and Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... are considered to have popularized Mafioso rap and "revolutionized the hip hop scene". (Im not gonna bother for a biography on Jay-Z, since everybody knows who he is.)

1. CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE (FEAT MARY J BLIGE)
This Song is good, but it doesn't start the album off with the bang that it deserves. this song (minus the Loooooooooong intro, belongs im the middle of the album.) This song is still enjoyable though. Cool video also.

2. POLITICS AS USUAL
Now this would've made a better track one.(Or maybe im just too used to the custom playlist on my Ipod) Hard to belive that Ski went from producing classic Jay-Z songs to being Camp Lo's go-to producer. (How did this happen?)

3. BROOKLYN'S FINEST (FEAT THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.)
One of the very few actual collabos between Jay and Biggie(2 on my count.)I don't care for this beat very much, and when Biggie references the line about his wife's supposed infedelity, even he sounds unconvincing.

4. DEAD PRESIDENTS II
One of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. I prefer this one to the original version. The lyrics seem to fit this one more.

5. FEELIN' IT (FEAT MECCA)
Love this song. Has a nice "Conversational type flow that Jay-Z's good at. Oh and who's Mecca?

6. D'EVILS
It's Jay & Premier..Need i say more!?

7. 22 TWO'S
Borrows a Tribe called quest hook. Hate the announcer lady, love the lyrics.

8. CAN I LIVE
Dint know until recently that Vh1 alumni Irv Gotti produced this. Who would've thought that this is the same guy who brought us Ja Rule, and Ashanti? (But then again Jay did bring us the Young Gunz)

9. AIN'T NO N---A (FEAT FOXY BROWN)
Never liked this song. Never will.

10. FRIEND OR FOE
The shortest song on the album. Also one of the best (Ironic Huh?)

11. COMING OF AGE (FEAT MEMPHIS BLEEK)
Did Memphis Bleek save Jay's life at some point? Cuz the the only logical answer as to why he hasnt been kicked out by the man. This song on the other hand, has great verse's by both artist, and it's quite enjoyable.

12. CASHMERE THOUGHTS
Got the 'Hip Hop Quotable' in The Source when the album came out. Nuff said.

13. BRING IT ON (FEAT BIG JAZ AND SAUCE MONEY)
Great song by all three artist. Features Jay-Z's former mentor/current enemy Big Jazz (Now known as Jaz-O). Plus what the hell happened to Sauce Money??? He's great!!

14. REGRETS
Nobody makes beats like this one anymore. Great way to end your album.

Well watdya know, Reasonable Doubt still holds up to this day. This is not only the definitive album from H to the Izzo's catalogue, it's one of the ten most important rap records of the entire 1990's. It's possible to live without having heard it - but after you do, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Even nearly six years later, this album stands up to the best production and strongest lyricism coming out of any rap around the globe. If an album could be said to have made corny MC's into Jay-Z haters, this is the one. Get this album know.

Score:96 out of 100

Jay-Z - Dead Presidents
- .

Birdman on kissing Lil Wayne

Let me quote Dmx on this "I show no love to homo thugs"

“That’s my son. If he was right here, I’d kiss him again. I kiss my daughter, my other son…If you did (have children), you’d understand what I meant with it. I just think people took that too far man. That’s my son. I’ll do it again tomorrow, I’ll kill for him. Ride and die for him.”

- - Baby on kissing his son Lil’ Wayne, again . . . and again, and again! Cause that’s what parents do!

Fail of the month:Alfamega.

As news broke about Alfamega snitching, after The Smoking Gun exposed the Atlanta rapper Alfamega’s past work as a government informant earlier of the week, Grand Hustle has decided to take action. T.I., the Co-CEO of Grand Hustle announced that Alfamega was no long a part of Grand Hustle through a statement on Atlanta’s Hot 107.9.

Even though all our artists and employees are asked by us to be honest and open about their past history, at no time did Alfa disclose to me or Grand Hustle what has now appeared in the media. He essentially deceived us by failing to fully disclose the truth about his past, and there is no place in our organization for dishonest and misleading behavior. As I have always said, you must take responsibility for your own actions. We at Grand Hustle can not support or condone the blaming of others for our own mistakes. I hope and pray to God, bless his savings plans, but I don’t foresee me or my company playing a role in his personal or professional business.

Alfamega has yet to comment on the entire ordeal.

Alfamega on how real he is.

Classic Video:Geto Boys "Mind playing tricks"

These guys don't get the respect they deserve.

Geto Boys-My Mind Playing Tricks On Me

Nototious B.I.G. "Ready To Die" Album Review

Ready to Die is the debut studio album of American rapper The Notorious B.I.G., released September 13, 1994 on Sean "Diddy" Combs Bad Boy Records as well as the first release of the label. Recording sessions for the album took place from 1993 to 1994 at The Hit Factory and D&D Studios in New York City. The partly autobiographical hardcore hip hop album tells the story of The Notorious B.I.G.'s experiences as a young criminal, referring to himself as "the black Frank White". The record gained strong reviews on release and became a commercial success, reaching quadruple platinum sales. It was significant for revitalizing East Coast hip hop at a time when the genre was mostly dominated by West Coast artists. In 2006, Time magazine named it one of the 100 greatest albums of all time. It was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Big Poppa" at the 1996 Grammy Awards. It also won 2 Awards at the Billboard Music Awards. Never before had a rapper burst onto the scene quite like Notorious B.I.G. did in 1994. With Ready to Die, Biggie struck a cord nation wide. His amazing delivery, mixed with blunt reality, created an album so solid it put him into the rap stratosphere. His slick approach to hardcore rap, and his massive presence bloat Ready to Die into a rap masterpiece. It stands as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. Lets see if it still holds up. (Hint:Hell Yea)

1. "Intro"
Takes A little too long to start up, but it ends up being a really interesting start to this album. I'm already hooked.

2. "Things Done Changed"
Great Song from Biggie on how much "things really have changed"

3. "Gimmie the loot"
Biggie trades rhymes with a higher pitched version of himself, and the result is a hilarious tale of robbery, and shootouts. My favorite line is "I wouldnt give fuck if you're pregnant/Give me the baby rings and a #1 mom pendant", i like it, cause I'm a sick fuck like dat. (Side Note: I'm note THAT messed up, i just appreciate a good joke.)

4. "Machine Gun Funk"
Not as great as the previous song, but its still one badass song.

5. "Warning"
Very good song about someone planning on taking Biggie out (and not on a date) and with Biggie explaining on how he'll handle them (Hint:It's veeery violent) great song, that leads to an even better song.

6. "Ready To Die"
Biggies magnum opus, i don't give a fuck what ANYONE says, this song kicks ass, from his flow, delivery, rhyme cadence, production, and metaphors, this is one of the best songs on here, and that's saying something.

7. "One More Chance"
I prefer this version, over the version that plays on MTV. This version is also much dirtier, but im a dirty muthfucka so i like it. (im coming off as pissy/distgusting today am I?).

8. "Fuck Me"(Interlude)
Skit that includes Lil Kim and Biggie fucking. I wonder if this was real?....Actually i don't.

9. "The What"
Meth and Big team up, and come out with a great song. I was only 4 when this album came out, but from what i've learned, this song was a pretty big deal back in the day.

10. "Juicy"
The single that catulpulted Big from just a rapper with a buzz, to a rapper with a hit single. This song is a classic, and shows Biggies rise to the top.

11. "Everyday Struggle"
This semi-autobiographical track, shows Biggie, and how much stress is in his life. Great song.

12. "Me and My Bitch"
This shit right here? This the shit!! love this song. great storytelling. it's basicaly a gangsta love story. Love the way this song ends.

13. "Big Poppa"
Used to love this song, but now its just Meh. It doesnt fit with the rest of the album. (I blame Puff)

14. "Respect"
I..Hate..This..Song.

15. "Friend of mine"
I really like this song

16. "Unbeleiveable"
Great DJ Premier beat. Biggie own this song with lines like

"B-i-g, g-i-e, aka, b.i.g.
Get it? biggie
Also known as the bon appetit
Rappers cant sleep need sleepin big keep creepin
Bulelts heat-seekin, casualties need treatin
Dumb rappers need teachin
Lesson a - dont fuck with b-i, thats that, oh i, thought he was wack
Oh come come now, why yall so dumb now
Hunt me or be hunted, three hundred and fifty-seven ways
To summer sautee, Im the winner all day
Lights get dimmer down biggies hallway
My forte causes caucausians to say
He sounds demented, car-weed scented
If I said it, I meant it
Bite my tongue for no-one
Call me evil, or unbelievable"

17. "Suicidal Thoughts"
I got a confession....Track 6 is not his magnum opus THIS IS. (Actually it's a tie)
Great song.

18. "Who shot Ya"(Bonus Track)
Oh yes, the song that started it all (Meaning the west coast feud)
even though its a bonus track, its still top quality. This song is intense.

19. "Just Playing"(Dreams)
Cool song, It's about Biggie fantasizing about fucking his favorite R&B singers. Funny ass song.

What makes Ready to Die so great? It is maybe because it's the most complete rap album ever made, and this being his very first effort, ever! The range of emotion, and depth is astounding. From the freighting display of thievery in "Gimme tha Loot", to the pure pimpery of "Big Poppa", to the Back in the day tale of "Juicy". The album starts strong and ends even stronger. Each track has a story to tell that is intricate, and each track brings out a different emotion. There are absolutely no tracks that could be considered trash. This is something that maybe no other album could claim, not even Life After Death. While there are only a few songs that are mega hits, there are 12-13 that are magnificent rap songs. The album is rich with lively street tales of murder, robbery, and drug dealing, and a rough childhood. But more importantly Biggie plays these themes out as important messages, as he has essentially has "grown up" and in turn cast aside these things, because of his raps. Biggies approach is to tell you about the life he lived, through lyrical storytelling, instead of glorifying the life, he reminisces about his past, a harsh and dangerous past.

Notorious B.I.G. blows up on this album. His talent is extraordinary. He possibly possesses the greatest delivery ever. His smooth flow is remarkable. And his lyrics are blunt and powerful. His flow is maybe his best skill, as he can flow through each line with great speed and still bring emphasis to certain words or phrases. His skills are limitless, from changing speeds, or tone, to rapping hardcore, or smooth. But maybe his greatest attribute is his staggeringly brilliant word play. Biggie meshes unique words like a chemist mixes chemicals. Biggies style is pure and original, and basically just legendary.

Score:100 out of 100

Notorious B.I.G : Juicy

Notorious B.I.G. - Warning

New Eminem " 3 A.M."

Nas and Kelis to divorce