Word: jay
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...Kingdom Come” can’t quite live up to “Reasonable Doubt”—Jay-Z’s gritty debut album that many, including the Jiggaman himself, claim to be his best work. It is, however, on par with more recent albums like “The Blueprint” and “The Black Album.” And like the latter, it’s a portrait of a matured, introspective man, though not one who is above his usual sense of self-importance or bravado...
...don’t get it twisted, this is still a Jay album...
What makes “Kingdom Come” unique is that it’s much more relaxed than any of Jay-Z’s previous albums. It lacks the ferocity that he showed in previous standout tracks like “Threats” or “Renegade.” But the slower pace has enabled him to more fully display his masterful lyrical technique, making each intricate rhyme scheme and well-placed allusion perfectly audible...
...said in ‘Blueprint’ that I’ll never change” our hero says in “Trouble,” and it’s true: Jay-Z will still tell you he’s “hip-hop’s savior.” He still raps about being the best in the game, and even uses a number of his old producers. Maybe “Kingdom Come” would be better if Jay at least tried to improve on his formula, even if just...
This album is not a return to the intelligent-but-unrefined rap style Jay first displayed on “Reasonable Doubt,” but it’s a solid addition to his discography. Jay-Z is obviously growing as a person; unfortunately, as a rapper, he’s grown stagnant...