Jay Z returns to the world of music this month with his latest album 4:44 and it is already splitting opinions.
The certified hip hop legend turned entrepreneur has already released a plentitude of albums prior to this, will he be able to maintain his relevance in the same way that his wife Beyonce has?
As well as founding Roc-A-Fella Records, he has had his fair share of commercial success as a solo act. This never appeared to tarnish his credibility though, even after amassing over 50 million album sales he is still respected as one of the genre’s greats. Since 1996 he has altered the themes and characters portrayed in his music to follow his life’s timeline, will we see a more retrospective side to Jay aka Shawn Corey Carter on 4:44?
There is definitely a more mature edge to the subject matter, but as a father and husband some of the more stereotypical rap lyrics would be inappropriate. The majority of the production value appears more grown-up, with the sampling choices in general also seeming wiser. Following the controversy that surrounded Beyonce’s Lemonade album, many will be hoping for the drama to continue.
4:44 is the fourteenth studio album and thirteenth solo album by American rapper Jay-Z
Was his fight with Solange Knowles real? Was the ‘other woman’ on Lemonade real? Or do these two just have incredibly good publicists? We may never know but if you listen carefully there are more than one apologies, confessions and references to adultery. The projects title track 4:44 is the most honest, with an emotionally sung vocal sample to boot “I’m never gonna treat you like I should”. His voice is shaking, coming across as nervous, unrecognisable even “sleep with our backs turned” “what good is a minaj et trois if you have a soulmate?”.
Luckily this is not the only way Jay comes across, sure he will never be that same guy we heard on 2003’s The Black Album, but that is not the aim here. It is neither too forward thinking, or too nostalgic especially when it comes to the instrumentals. Right in the middle of the album is a perfect example, Bam, which features none other than Damian Marley, is cool, classy and current. The beat is a simple 2017 working of Sister Nancy’s essential 90’s dancehall release Bam Bam, with pitched up vocal samples that begin to sound more like New Dheli than Kingston. Marley sprinkles his magic all over this tasteful number, showing off his soft gravely tones and adding a fresh energy.
Another smooth singer appears on Caught In Their Eyes, following the success of his latest album Frank Ocean turns up to sing the track’s hook. His addition is very welcome, but could not hold its own without Jay’s parts. It is another strong instrumental which the album is full of, right up to the aptly named outro track Legacy. As far as his rapping is concerned there are more ups than downs, but some of 4:44 begins to prove that his writing may not be ageing greatly.
With every few knockout punches there are the inevitable weak jabs as well, sometimes deciding to go completely off beat to say his piece. His ramblings on The Story Of O.J speak of racial inequality in the USA, a theme that is revisited throughout the release. Jay has never been one to hide his distaste for the government and police however, as he proved on 99 Problems.
Critics are calling this his best yet, others are not sold. Why not come and make your decision by checking it out on some of our floor standing speakers at Richer Sounds?
