No More teases, No More speculation and No More build up; the mogul, Jay-Z is back with his fourteenth studio album 4:44. This No ID executively produced album comes 4 years since the vividly boastful yet average by his standards Magna Carta Holy Grail. I really began doubt that this day would come even with his unpredictable yet calculated features including; Pop Style, All The Way Up, I Got The Keys(anthem) and Shining.
This wasn’t an album originally on my radar to review. As I know it’s likely to be layered with a lot of that lyrics which will fly over my head on a first time listen(I’ll check his song breakdown after). Although, with the trend towards more hook or mumble rap, I woke up genuinely excited to hear the project so thought why not!
1. Kill Jay-Z
Kill Jay Z, a relaxed self-humbling opener to the album. He opens up to with an awareness of how his life choices are detrimental to the important things around him notably his marriage. Calming and direct, what’s next?
“You got high on the life that sh*t drugged you”
2. The Story of O.J.*
I knew with No ID producing the whole of the project it would be nice. These samples and loops are smooth. This is deep, no matter what you can’t run away from what you are. This is like a mixture of rap and spoken poetry. He’s actually speaking to youth and the critics of his investments #MajorKeys.
“House N**er, Field N**er, Still N**er”
3. Smile (Ft Gloria Carter)*
I don’t know of many rappers who can rap so intensively but make it sound so effortless. The vocals from his mother and Stevie Wonder are a real winner too. I’m getting the narrative of this album is appreciation and some victory lap teaching (if that makes sense). My first standout so far on the album, this production is church its how I wanted Betty Wright’s feature on Grateful to be like.
4. Caught Their Eyes (Ft Frank Ocean)
“I seen pure admiration become rivals” (hello Drizzy) a pretty chilled track not really catching me all the way. This vibe is cool, I wouldn’t mind something a little aggressive, too easy going.
5. 4:44
I still have no idea what this 4:44 means, I wonder if its to do with the movie. I’m guessing it’s going to be explained in his song breakdown.
The most open song on the album so far, an apology to his wife and all the women in his life. I guess the stories about Jay across the Lemonade album were true then. Takes a man to come out and admit mistakes like this with his relationship in public eye. This got me reminiscing about Song Cry.
6. Family Feud*
Jay has used at least 3 tracks on the album to directly address Lemonade it must’ve really hit the nail on the head. Something I always comment on but not one song feels out of place on the album.
“What’s better than one billionaire? two.”
7. Bam (Ft Damian Marley)
BAM BAM didn’t expect this, he’s touching a classic. I don’t think it works that good rap wise, it’s like up-tempo one minute, then it’s not. The slick lines are there though.
“I be skipping leg day, I still run the world“
8. Moonlight
Another old school classic, Ooh La LA LA this is much better than that Bam. Independence, that’s what Jay is preaching to these upcoming artists. I’ll stick to the original song, I’m just waiting on a hype turn up banger.
9. Marcy Me
I feel like I should like this but I’m quite bored; maybe I’m not a pure hip-hop head.
“Hold an Uzi Vertical” – **Illuminati sirens go wild**
10. Legacy
As much I liked the production at the start of the project I’ve had enough of it now. Jay is having an open conversation with his daughter and explaining how the Carter Legacy can be maintained.
No matter how many times Jay-Z steps away and says he’s done he always comes back. This album is one for the Hip-Hop pursuits, it goes against the grain of the current trends. He uses the album to directly address the issues raised by Beyonce in Lemonade and drop gems for the culture from a CEO standpoint.
My assumptions are this could be a prelude to what could be his final album. Although, to be honest even at 47 he’s still got it and who’s matching up to him flow wise?
Top 3 Tracks: Smile, Family Feud and The Story of O.J.
7.8/10
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