11/01/07 - Jay-Z - American Gangster [AHH Review]

Gayme is a Queer · 11-01-2007, 11:16 AM

9/10 STARS

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Sean Corey Carter’s storied Rap career should be immortalized in Hip-Hop’s hall of fame. The man effortlessly killed the game for eight straight years and “bowed out” as one of the greatest to touch the mic. Jay-Z would eventually return from his much hyped hiatus—no one believed him—only to have his skills and motivation questioned with the lukewarm reception of Kingdom Come. Now refocused, he returns with American Gangster (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam). A conceptual piece based on specific scenes from the movie of the same name, the album is deceptively one of his best and most personal.

“Pray” sets the tone as Hov ties fragments from the film together with some of his buried early memories. Sweeping violin arrangements and church choir like vocal injections back this unapologetic look into the inner struggles of a minor looking on from the outside of the street game. This is the dramatic flash of his life, in rhyme. Additionally “No Hook” serves as the next chapter of the Carter chronicles as he lightly touches on the death of his pops and his view on hustling as his only choice to get his mother out of the hood.

Not forgetting to underscore the proper swag that accompanies a hustler’s bankroll, Young H.O. breaks out the mink and the good jewelry on “Party Life.” Diddy’s lead Hitmen, LV and Sean C., cook up a smoothed out soulful masterpiece as Hov spits some good game to his female companion during an implied lounge setting: “Art with no easel/Please there’s is no equal/Your boy is off the wall, these other ni**as is Tito.”

On a straight up Rap tip the first single “Blue Magic” is an ode to the old school with its simplistic flair. The Neptunes track features knocking minimal synths and a basic drum pattern to compliment S. Dot’s sly 80’s flow. The disc only packs a lean fourteen joints so features are rightfully trimmed down, some key appearances that clearly add to the album’s prowess. Jay and Nas connect in classic fashion with “Success” over booming, rock flavored organs from No I.D and Jermaine Dupri. Additionally, Beanie Siegel adds his Philly touch to the reworked, Isley Brothers tipping lost gem “Ignorant Sh*t.”

Another true highlight of the album lies within its stunning production. Sonically American Gangster is infused with a heavy soul feel provided by the aforementioned Hitmen and even DJ Toomp (“Say Hello”), which corresponds with the time period of the flick, but its sound never gets monotonous. Vibrant horns drive the celebratory “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)” and chopped up Marvin Gaye harmonies are implemented throughout the buttery “American Dreamin’.”

With the unbearable, Lil’ Wayne assisted “Hello Brooklyn 2.0,” which ruins the album’s pacing, as the only flagrant misstep, American Gangster remains triumphant. There is no definitive radio smash hit present but that’s what keeps the project fresh. Jay goes from running the block to cornering the market without forcing the issue, leaving no need to question his G file.

dmanx_ · 11-01-2007, 12:08 PM

9 outta 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that mother fuckers a straight up dick ryder.. that album is boring as hell

districtx202x · 11-01-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmanx_

9 outta 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that mother fuckers a straight up dick ryder.. that album is boring as hell

well dats ur opinion
dat album is good
damn dick ryder is da most popular word on this message board....

Tha Unit On Top · 11-01-2007, 04:14 PM

9/10 no fucking way man. I didnt think the album was that hot, it was good, but not like that. And the production wasnt great, maybe its me and I dont care for that soul sound that much, but the album was good.

thaone1 · 11-01-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmanx_

9 outta 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that mother fuckers a straight up dick ryder.. that album is boring as hell

i'm just wondering if it was boring as hell shouldnt u have given it a lower grade then a fucking 9/10

MR.FLORIDA · 11-01-2007, 09:01 PM

That Album Was Good

CK9 · 11-02-2007, 04:11 AM

I think 6/10, he coulda done better, good lyrics tho as always.

dmanx_ · 11-02-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaone1

i'm just wondering if it was boring as hell shouldnt u have given it a lower grade then a fucking 9/10

i didnt give it 9 of 10.. i would give it 5 of 10

BARS NOVEMBER 6TH · 11-02-2007, 01:28 PM

itz good but they goin over the top. 7 or 8

ImmortalTechnique · 11-02-2007, 03:16 PM

sounds about right... one of the dopest albums this year

gunit06 · 11-04-2007, 02:26 PM

honestly i would have given it a 9/10 and dont be hatin on me just because i said that and you have a different opinion. its hova though, he killed the lyrics. you need to sit down, smoke, and just listen to what he has to say.

Phantom_rydaz · 11-09-2007, 08:12 PM

i would also give it a 9/10 it was great but not perfect

the album was straight crak though

BLUE HFNER · 11-10-2007, 09:14 PM

ThankSSSSSS!!!!

kingjanjic · 11-10-2007, 09:34 PM

roc boys is a hit

lovi23 · 11-11-2007, 05:46 PM

8/10 for me.
it was better than kingdom come.
he went on his old style on this shit.

YoungKR07 · 11-14-2007, 06:07 PM

Its is a real good album it deserves that

kobe215 · 11-14-2007, 06:20 PM

it was pretty good, old school feel to it

BLUE HFNER · 11-14-2007, 06:30 PM

i say 9.5 +

M Loc · 11-14-2007, 07:13 PM

Giv it a 9/10

dipsetallday4 · 11-21-2007, 12:46 PM

sick album thanks

11-01-2007, 11:16 AM	#1
Gayme is a Queer Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,188 Repped: 207 Repped 5,971 Times in 422 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	11/01/07 - Jay-Z - American Gangster [AHH Review] 11/01/07 - Jay-Z - American Gangster [AHH Review] 9/10 STARS There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Sean Corey Carter’s storied Rap career should be immortalized in Hip-Hop’s hall of fame. The man effortlessly killed the game for eight straight years and “bowed out” as one of the greatest to touch the mic. Jay-Z would eventually return from his much hyped hiatus—no one believed him—only to have his skills and motivation questioned with the lukewarm reception of Kingdom Come. Now refocused, he returns with American Gangster (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam). A conceptual piece based on specific scenes from the movie of the same name, the album is deceptively one of his best and most personal. “Pray” sets the tone as Hov ties fragments from the film together with some of his buried early memories. Sweeping violin arrangements and church choir like vocal injections back this unapologetic look into the inner struggles of a minor looking on from the outside of the street game. This is the dramatic flash of his life, in rhyme. Additionally “No Hook” serves as the next chapter of the Carter chronicles as he lightly touches on the death of his pops and his view on hustling as his only choice to get his mother out of the hood. Not forgetting to underscore the proper swag that accompanies a hustler’s bankroll, Young H.O. breaks out the mink and the good jewelry on “Party Life.” Diddy’s lead Hitmen, LV and Sean C., cook up a smoothed out soulful masterpiece as Hov spits some good game to his female companion during an implied lounge setting: “Art with no easel/Please there’s is no equal/Your boy is off the wall, these other ni*as is Tito.” On a straight up Rap tip the first single “Blue Magic” is an ode to the old school with its simplistic flair. The Neptunes track features knocking minimal synths and a basic drum pattern to compliment S. Dot’s sly 80’s flow. The disc only packs a lean fourteen joints so features are rightfully trimmed down, some key appearances that clearly add to the album’s prowess. Jay and Nas connect in classic fashion with “Success” over booming, rock flavored organs from No I.D and Jermaine Dupri. Additionally, Beanie Siegel adds his Philly touch to the reworked, Isley Brothers tipping lost gem “Ignorant Sht.” Another true highlight of the album lies within its stunning production. Sonically American Gangster is infused with a heavy soul feel provided by the aforementioned Hitmen and even DJ Toomp (“Say Hello”), which corresponds with the time period of the flick, but its sound never gets monotonous. Vibrant horns drive the celebratory “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)” and chopped up Marvin Gaye harmonies are implemented throughout the buttery “American Dreamin’.” With the unbearable, Lil’ Wayne assisted “Hello Brooklyn 2.0,” which ruins the album’s pacing, as the only flagrant misstep, American Gangster remains triumphant. There is no definitive radio smash hit present but that’s what keeps the project fresh. Jay goes from running the block to cornering the market without forcing the issue, leaving no need to question his G file.

11-04-2007, 02:26 PM	#11
gunit06 SCP Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,113 Repped: 361 Repped 63 Times in 23 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	honestly i would have given it a 9/10 and dont be hatin on me just because i said that and you have a different opinion. its hova though, he killed the lyrics. you need to sit down, smoke, and just listen to what he has to say. __________________ myspace.com/scp05[/url]

11-11-2007, 05:46 PM	#15
lovi23 July 7th-The Seventh Seal Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 211 Repped: 53 Repped 165 Times in 37 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	8/10 for me. it was better than kingdom come. he went on his old style on this shit. __________________ BIGGIE & 2PAC

11-14-2007, 06:07 PM	#16
YoungKR07 Anotha Day Anotha Dollar Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sagnasty, MI Posts: 4,252 Repped: 2,240 Repped 2,529 Times in 227 Posts Neg Reps: 26 Neg Repped at 2 Times in 2 Posts	Its is a real good album it deserves that __________________ >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Formerly Known As King Richard07 Callin My Name Is Like Callin Candyman R.I.P M.J

11-14-2007, 06:30 PM	#18
BLUE HFNER LIL_BLUE HEFNER J.R™ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FL Posts: 2,311 Repped: 529 Repped 2,493 Times in 193 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 5 Times in 4 Posts	i say 9.5 + __________________ "In this market they let impersonators walk 'round 50 bodied you, I just laid the chalk down" - Lloyd Banks

11-01-2007, 12:08 PM	#2
dmanx_ BossHogg Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,259 Repped: 97 Repped 138 Times in 27 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 1 Time in 1 Post	9 outta 10!!!!!!!!!!!!! that mother fuckers a straight up dick ryder.. that album is boring as hell

11-01-2007, 04:14 PM	#4
Tha Unit On Top BISD November 23rd Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,195 Repped: 640 Repped 2,457 Times in 353 Posts Neg Reps: 78 Neg Repped at 123 Times in 85 Posts	9/10 no fucking way man. I didnt think the album was that hot, it was good, but not like that. And the production wasnt great, maybe its me and I dont care for that soul sound that much, but the album was good.

11-01-2007, 09:01 PM	#6
MR.FLORIDA REAL LIFE CLICK Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: IN DA HOOD Posts: 166 Repped: 108 Repped 16 Times in 4 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	That Album Was Good

11-02-2007, 04:11 AM	#7
CK9 Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,419 Repped: 16 Repped 185 Times in 35 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think 6/10, he coulda done better, good lyrics tho as always.

11-02-2007, 01:28 PM	#9
BARS NOVEMBER 6TH Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,513 Repped: 206 Repped 759 Times in 107 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	itz good but they goin over the top. 7 or 8

11-02-2007, 03:16 PM	#10
ImmortalTechnique OPEN WIDE! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brew City, Milwaukee Posts: 3,046 Repped: 190 Repped 845 Times in 371 Posts Neg Reps: 7 Neg Repped at 235 Times in 142 Posts	sounds about right... one of the dopest albums this year

11-09-2007, 08:12 PM	#12
Phantom_rydaz Veteran Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Montreal Posts: 1,014 Repped: 133 Repped 141 Times in 36 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	i would also give it a 9/10 it was great but not perfect the album was straight crak though

11-10-2007, 09:14 PM	#13
BLUE HFNER LIL_BLUE HEFNER J.R™ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FL Posts: 2,311 Repped: 529 Repped 2,493 Times in 193 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 5 Times in 4 Posts	ThankSSSSSS!!!!

11-10-2007, 09:34 PM	#14
kingjanjic fuk the beef,real hip hop Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: T DOT Posts: 1,399 Repped: 7 Repped 162 Times in 43 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 18 Times in 13 Posts	roc boys is a hit

11-14-2007, 06:20 PM	#17
kobe215 Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 506 Repped: 249 Repped 0 Times in 0 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	it was pretty good, old school feel to it

11-14-2007, 07:13 PM	#19
M Loc Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 12 Repped: 2 Repped 0 Times in 0 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Giv it a 9/10 __________________ M Loc repping his 2 step on HHBoard listen to me coz you aint gonna get bored ;)

11-21-2007, 12:46 PM	#20
dipsetallday4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 626 Repped: 340 Repped 1 Time in 1 Post Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	sick album thanks

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