The Black Album (EXPLICIT) (Vinyl) ~ Jay-Z (Artist) Cover Art

The Black Album (EXPLICIT) (Vinyl)

By: Jay-Z (Artist)

More About this Product
List Price: $15.98
Tower Price: $10.98
You Save: $5.00 (32%)
Add to BagAdd to Bag Click to go directly to the checkout.
This item qualifies for FREE Shop N' Save Shipping for orders over $25. Check individual shipping price. *Some Restrictions Apply.
Availability: On Sale - Ships in 12 Hours
Also Available in: [CD]
Share This:
Add To KaboodleAdd To Kaboodle  Submit To Digg!Submit To Digg!  Share On FacebookShare On Facebook  Add to FavoritesAdd to Favorites  TwitterTwitter 

Product Description

Run a Quick Search on "The Black Album" by Jay-Z to Browse Related Products:

Browse more products related to "The Black Album"

Browse more products related to "Jay-Z"

Review

Rolling Stone (12/25/03, pp.106-7) - Included in Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2003"
Rolling Stone (12/11/03, p.198) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...He's settling scores and letting us deeper into his life than ever....One of the better albums of his career..."
Entertainment Weekly (11/28/03, pp.121-2) - "...[Here] the quintessential hustler [seeks] a memorable exit..." - Rating: B+
Q (1/04, p.108) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[H]is real strength lies where it always has: in brags. He excels at flashy cadences and unexpected turns of phrase."

Title Note

Personnel includes: Jay-Z (rap vocals); Sharlotte Gibson, Vincent "Hum V" Bostic, John Legend, Don Crawley, Leonard Harris, Kanye West, Danee Doty,

Cedric The Entertainer.

Producers include: The Neptunes, DJ Quik, Eminem, Rick Rubin, Just Blaze.

In what he claims to be his final release as a musical performer, Jay-Z drops THE BLACK ALBUM, a sprawling, ambitious effort that rivals the best work of the rapper's already legendary career. Working with a who's who of hip-hop's most high-profile producers, the outrageously talented MC adjusts his flow and subject matter to the wildly varied tracks, proving once again just how gifted he is as a wordsmith.

From the epic "What More Can I Say" (a collaboration with the Buchannans) to the brutally honest, Eminem-produced "Moment of Clarity," THE BLACK ALBUM bleeds with inspiration. Other highlights include the fuel-injected "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" (featuring Timbaland behind the board), the club-ready "Change Clothes" (which sports the Neptunes' trademark beats), and the old-school stomp of "99 Problems" (with pioneering hip-hop producer Rick Rubin). It makes one wonder how an artist at the peak of his craft could willingly put the microphone down. Hopefully, time out of the spotlight will remind Shawn Carter why he became successful in the first place, and find him back in the studio.

Prolific hip-hop superstar Jay-Z certainly knows how to capture attention and stay in the spotlight. From his brash declarations of being Notorious B.I.G.'s heir to repeatedly stoking the fire of a dangerous feud with Nas, the Brooklynite is certainly a master of stirring up controversy. However, while his unpredictable nature helps to keep eyes pointed in his direction, it's his lyrics that have earned him fame, along with the respect of many critics, fans, and fellow rappers.

After the release of THE BLACK ALBUM--his powerful, supposedly final testament--Jay-Z returned to headlines without even trying. The record inspired a cult following in the world of underground remixers, who proceeded to "mash up" the album (sans license) by combining Jay-Z's vocals with music from pop and rock albums. In reaction to this phenomenon, Jay-Z comes back with his over-the-counter THE BLACK ALBUM (ACAPPELLA), which presents the whole disc, minus the instrumentation. Taken alone, the cuts are intense on their own account, but the true treat for fans is the ability to play DJ with the album for their own enjoyment.

Customer Reviews for "The Black Album (EXPLICIT) (Vinyl)" by Jay-Z (Artist)

There are no customer reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Submit your Review

Explore More Great Tower Sales & Specials

Tower Records music Sales, Promotions & Special Features

Today's Most Popular Music Genres

Tower.com Music Boutique Stores

  • Greatest Hits Boutique
    Expand your musical horizons with our monthly selections for "Greatest Hits" and "Best Of" CD Collections.
  • Tower Records Vinyl Store
    Enjoy some of our favorite new pressings, indie rock releases, and milk crate essentials priced at up to 30% off so you can keep spinning right round (Like a record!)
  • The Beatles Collector's Boutique
    On 09-09-09, experience music history when the original studio albums by The Beatles are re-released, digitally remastered for the first time! Browse our favorite Beatles music, video and book titles!
  • Woodstock Anniversary Boutique
    Celebrating 40 years of Woodstock - Three days of music that changed the world forever!
  • The History Of Indie Rock Boutique
    Browse Our Album Art History of Indie Rock Influencers, from the 1960s to today!

Interact with Tower.com