A Look At Jay-Z's Guest Appearances During Retirement

that-damn-good · 10-06-2006, 10:22 PM

We never really believed him. Retirement? Sure, the day job at Def Jam made it more convincing, but this is Shawn “I can’t leave rap alone, the game needs me” Carter we’re talking about. He might have spent more time in flip-flops in the South of France, but nobody had to tell Hova to phone home. After he released two albums within a year of announcing his leave (Collision Course with Linkin Park and Unfinished Business with R. Kelly), we knew his “retirement” would be more like a sabbatical. Besides his album releases, Jigga selected a lucky few artists whom he would grace with his presence, dropping a surprising number of verses throughout the last three years. The results range from downright rusty to classic Hov. With his official comeback single dropping, we decided to take a look at Jay-Z’s retirement canon. Step back!

Young Gunz feat. Jay-Z “Never Take Me Alive” (2004)

In these two verses (which were probably recorded prior to the retirement) Jay sounds like he’s going through the motions. After this, he took the rest of the year off before coming back strong in ’05.

Quotable: “The Commission was our vision/We ain’t see it come to fruition/We ran out of time, damn.”

Jay-Z “Dear Summer” (2005)

543 was the title of the album, but it also ended up being the number of people who bought it for anything other than the Jay-Z song sandwiched between 13 forgettable Bleek tracks. It was worth it, though. This sentimental ode to his favorite season is Hov at his most thoughtful.

Quotable: “Niggas back up, they know I’m not no fronta/I don’t talk shit, I just flip and ‘Un’ ya/Sorry Lance, I’m just tryin’ to advance my quotes/I ain’t makin’ you the butt of my jokes.”

Snoop Dogg feat. Jay-Z & Pharrell “Drop It Like It’s Hot (Remix)” (2005)

Fresh off the tour with R. Kelly that ended with the infamous pepper-spray to the face incident, Jay flips Snoop’s “izzle” style and tells Kells to take his civil case and “drop it like it’s hot.”

Quotable: “Now I’m so fresh, you can smell me through a zip lock/Mr. S-Dizzot, it’s not gon’ stizzop/Too much pizzazz for these piss-ass niggas to get past/Too cool for cizzops to cuff his izz-ass”

Kanye West feat. Jay-Z “Diamonds Are Forever (Remix)” (2005)

Hova tries to hold the Roc together on one of his most memorable verses ever.

Quotable: “I ain’t a businessman, I’m a business, man/Let me handle my business, damn!”

Young Jeezy feat. Jay-Z “Go Crazy (Remix)” (2005)

Hova gets back to his d-boy roots and reminds the Snowman’s fans that he had Cristal in his speedboat before Puff was in that tub spillin’ Mo’. Go do your research!

Quotable: “More than a hustler, I’m the definition of it/Master chef, Lord of the kitchen cupboard.”

Mariah Carey feat. Jay-Z & Young Jeezy “Shake It Off (Remix)” (2005)

With run-of-the-mill punchlines and a dated reference to How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Jay seems to be missing some of his usual swagger on this white label–only remix.

Quotable: “The Emancipation of M-I-M-I/I spray Lamas rrrah, rrrrah/
Twenty worldwide nigga get your plaques/Guess who the fuck got his swagger back?”

Aztek & Jay-Z “Back Then (Freestyle)” (2005)

The Prez got in on ’05’s Houston craze by co-signing Roc-La-Familia’s new H-Town MC over Mike Jones’ whirling “Back Then” beat. Too bad for Aztek, because Hova still stole the show with an average verse.

Quotable: “You don’t want no problems nigga, be honest/Beyond this killer flow I gotta gotta piece I will squeeze on.”

Bun B feat. Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, Pimp C & Z-Ro “Get Throwed” (2005)

Jay continues his Houston infatuation, but again, only manages to muster up an average verse in the midst of these Down South heavyweights.

Quotable: “I started with the block, hit it brick by brick/Then I charted with the ROC nigga, hit by hit/I’m retarded with the glock nigga, clip by clip.”

The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Jay-Z “Whatchu Want?” (2005)

Jay tries to rekindle the Commission magic on this Duets track and delivers a solid performance (even if Biggie still murders him with an old verse).

Quotable: “You based on us, you fiction/Your eights don’t bust, you a constant contradiction/Ladies please use contraception/Deception’s at an all-time high when sexin’.”

Jay-Z “44 Fours” (Live) (2006)

At the Reasonable Doubt 10th Anniversary concert Jay debuted this update on the clever “22 Twos” concept, which is rumored to also be a track on his new album.

Quotable: “Debut classic, first album 4 mics/I should have got a 5 but niggas lacked fore-sight.”

Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z & Young Jeezy “Hustlin’ (Remix)” (2006)

He might have never responded to Cam’s disses, but the subliminal references to Cam’s “chancletas” diss make this the next closest thing. Too bad he was too busy flipping Rick Ross’ lines to get truly focused.

Quotable: “We don’t resort to violence/We on resorts and islands.”

Pharrell feat. Jay-Z “Young Girl” (2006)

On another song that could have been recorded prior the retirement, this odd verse should have been used on an R. Kelly duet.

Quotable: “You’re 19?/No, you’re lightning in a bottle/I’ll give you a ring tomorrow.”

Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z “Déjà Vu” & “Upgrade You” (2006)

Hands down, two of Jay’s most awkward, cringe-worthy verses of all time. He alternates between jacking 50’s flow (the second verse on “Déjà Vu”) and rhyming like he’s been watching too much Sex & The City.

Quotable: “I don’t make the list, don’t be mad at me/I just make the hits like a factory.”

Lupe Fiasco feat. Jay-Z “Pressure” (2006)

Jay’s attempt to relate to Lupe’s dork rap persona sounds like a stretch, referencing Andy Warhol paintings and boasting about how he considers himself an “artiste.”

Quotable: “So the pen is mightier than the sword my lord/My first picture was a lineup, now I’m on the Forbes.”

G Bird · 10-06-2006, 10:28 PM

Jay-Z is gonna make me some good money................. shh don't tell!!!

RottenApple091906 · 10-06-2006, 10:45 PM

i think its a stunt this nigga just went for a break and used that as an escuse

Trilltalk · 10-06-2006, 10:50 PM

greatest rapper alive.....

.

FAmE0uSZ 187 · 10-06-2006, 11:08 PM

Quotable: “We don’t resort to violence/We on resorts and islands.”

dat shit is wack

SmOkEy420 · 10-06-2006, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Unit Crip Gangsta

Jay-Z is gonna make me some good money................. shh don't tell!!!

ahhaha same here homie

SiLenT_KillaH · 10-06-2006, 11:43 PM

Hes all in it for the money.Just like fif a sellout.But if he makes good music i wont care

Zhiwai · 10-06-2006, 11:53 PM

Props on this

Spid3r-Loc · 10-07-2006, 12:48 AM

props i guess.....yea it wasnt a real retirment....bullshit....but god damn that single is blowing up fast....a lil 2 fast

leb · 10-07-2006, 01:01 AM

kool propz ...

same2step · 10-07-2006, 01:06 AM

Propz

respect to Jay Z he a legend but a lot of dem features was some bullshit, the shit on Lupe track is actually probably his best shit out of all of dem, his Go Crazy and Get Throwed features was good too but dem other shits was average comin from Jay

THREATS · 10-07-2006, 01:22 AM

cool props.

Playboi305 · 10-07-2006, 01:26 AM

should have stayed retired

kevin413 · 10-07-2006, 02:21 AM

pretty nice doesnt seem lik he evr retired

ChUcK C · 10-07-2006, 05:25 AM

shoulda stayed retired, wack as fuck

scool · 10-07-2006, 07:44 AM

i hateh im lol

RealTalkNY · 10-07-2006, 07:57 AM

Video with all of jay-z retirement verses and live performance of 44 4s and DeJa Vu

domdom · 10-07-2006, 09:02 AM

propz.........

Hakaroodi · 10-07-2006, 10:11 AM

nigga bein clever mayne...

hasan · 10-07-2006, 01:07 PM

aight propz

IronCro · 10-07-2006, 01:18 PM

Is that a complete list? What about that Just Blaze remix with Lenny Kravitz. In the video since he was retired they just show a painting of him on the wall of a street corner.

young_min · 10-07-2006, 02:17 PM

propz man !!!

g-unitbrooklynsoulja · 10-07-2006, 04:11 PM

propsssssss

Speak · 10-07-2006, 04:36 PM

that nigga knew what he was doing

Desert Eagle · 10-07-2006, 04:43 PM

lol jays ill fuck dat retirement shit

10-06-2006, 10:22 PM	#1
that-damn-good Cerebral Assassin Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: MTL Posts: 7,589 Repped: 859 Repped 4,150 Times in 472 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	A Look At Jay-Z's Guest Appearances During Retirement A Look At Jay-Z's Guest Appearances During Retirement We never really believed him. Retirement? Sure, the day job at Def Jam made it more convincing, but this is Shawn “I can’t leave rap alone, the game needs me” Carter we’re talking about. He might have spent more time in flip-flops in the South of France, but nobody had to tell Hova to phone home. After he released two albums within a year of announcing his leave (Collision Course with Linkin Park and Unfinished Business with R. Kelly), we knew his “retirement” would be more like a sabbatical. Besides his album releases, Jigga selected a lucky few artists whom he would grace with his presence, dropping a surprising number of verses throughout the last three years. The results range from downright rusty to classic Hov. With his official comeback single dropping, we decided to take a look at Jay-Z’s retirement canon. Step back! Young Gunz feat. Jay-Z “Never Take Me Alive” (2004) In these two verses (which were probably recorded prior to the retirement) Jay sounds like he’s going through the motions. After this, he took the rest of the year off before coming back strong in ’05. Quotable: “The Commission was our vision/We ain’t see it come to fruition/We ran out of time, damn.” Jay-Z “Dear Summer” (2005) 543 was the title of the album, but it also ended up being the number of people who bought it for anything other than the Jay-Z song sandwiched between 13 forgettable Bleek tracks. It was worth it, though. This sentimental ode to his favorite season is Hov at his most thoughtful. Quotable: “Niggas back up, they know I’m not no fronta/I don’t talk shit, I just flip and ‘Un’ ya/Sorry Lance, I’m just tryin’ to advance my quotes/I ain’t makin’ you the butt of my jokes.” Snoop Dogg feat. Jay-Z & Pharrell “Drop It Like It’s Hot (Remix)” (2005) Fresh off the tour with R. Kelly that ended with the infamous pepper-spray to the face incident, Jay flips Snoop’s “izzle” style and tells Kells to take his civil case and “drop it like it’s hot.” Quotable: “Now I’m so fresh, you can smell me through a zip lock/Mr. S-Dizzot, it’s not gon’ stizzop/Too much pizzazz for these piss-ass niggas to get past/Too cool for cizzops to cuff his izz-ass” Kanye West feat. Jay-Z “Diamonds Are Forever (Remix)” (2005) Hova tries to hold the Roc together on one of his most memorable verses ever. Quotable: “I ain’t a businessman, I’m a business, man/Let me handle my business, damn!” Young Jeezy feat. Jay-Z “Go Crazy (Remix)” (2005) Hova gets back to his d-boy roots and reminds the Snowman’s fans that he had Cristal in his speedboat before Puff was in that tub spillin’ Mo’. Go do your research! Quotable: “More than a hustler, I’m the definition of it/Master chef, Lord of the kitchen cupboard.” Mariah Carey feat. Jay-Z & Young Jeezy “Shake It Off (Remix)” (2005) With run-of-the-mill punchlines and a dated reference to How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Jay seems to be missing some of his usual swagger on this white label–only remix. Quotable: “The Emancipation of M-I-M-I/I spray Lamas rrrah, rrrrah/ Twenty worldwide nigga get your plaques/Guess who the fuck got his swagger back?” Aztek & Jay-Z “Back Then (Freestyle)” (2005) The Prez got in on ’05’s Houston craze by co-signing Roc-La-Familia’s new H-Town MC over Mike Jones’ whirling “Back Then” beat. Too bad for Aztek, because Hova still stole the show with an average verse. Quotable: “You don’t want no problems nigga, be honest/Beyond this killer flow I gotta gotta piece I will squeeze on.” Bun B feat. Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, Pimp C & Z-Ro “Get Throwed” (2005) Jay continues his Houston infatuation, but again, only manages to muster up an average verse in the midst of these Down South heavyweights. Quotable: “I started with the block, hit it brick by brick/Then I charted with the ROC nigga, hit by hit/I’m retarded with the glock nigga, clip by clip.” The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Jay-Z “Whatchu Want?” (2005) Jay tries to rekindle the Commission magic on this Duets track and delivers a solid performance (even if Biggie still murders him with an old verse). Quotable: “You based on us, you fiction/Your eights don’t bust, you a constant contradiction/Ladies please use contraception/Deception’s at an all-time high when sexin’.” Jay-Z “44 Fours” (Live) (2006) At the Reasonable Doubt 10th Anniversary concert Jay debuted this update on the clever “22 Twos” concept, which is rumored to also be a track on his new album. Quotable: “Debut classic, first album 4 mics/I should have got a 5 but niggas lacked fore-sight.” Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z & Young Jeezy “Hustlin’ (Remix)” (2006) He might have never responded to Cam’s disses, but the subliminal references to Cam’s “chancletas” diss make this the next closest thing. Too bad he was too busy flipping Rick Ross’ lines to get truly focused. Quotable: “We don’t resort to violence/We on resorts and islands.” Pharrell feat. Jay-Z “Young Girl” (2006) On another song that could have been recorded prior the retirement, this odd verse should have been used on an R. Kelly duet. Quotable: “You’re 19?/No, you’re lightning in a bottle/I’ll give you a ring tomorrow.” Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z “Déjà Vu” & “Upgrade You” (2006) Hands down, two of Jay’s most awkward, cringe-worthy verses of all time. He alternates between jacking 50’s flow (the second verse on “Déjà Vu”) and rhyming like he’s been watching too much Sex & The City. Quotable: “I don’t make the list, don’t be mad at me/I just make the hits like a factory.” Lupe Fiasco feat. Jay-Z “Pressure” (2006) Jay’s attempt to relate to Lupe’s dork rap persona sounds like a stretch, referencing Andy Warhol paintings and boasting about how he considers himself an “artiste.” Quotable: “So the pen is mightier than the sword my lord/My first picture was a lineup, now I’m on the Forbes.” __________________

10-06-2006, 11:43 PM	#7
SiLenT_KillaH -_- Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 10,025 Repped: 2,119 Repped 595 Times in 281 Posts Neg Reps: 465 Neg Repped at 123 Times in 89 Posts	Hes all in it for the money.Just like fif a sellout.But if he makes good music i wont care __________________ "1+1+0=11"-Buck Marley 07

10-07-2006, 01:06 AM	#11
same2step Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 6,048 Repped: 281 Repped 59 Times in 19 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 6 Times in 6 Posts	Propz respect to Jay Z he a legend but a lot of dem features was some bullshit, the shit on Lupe track is actually probably his best shit out of all of dem, his Go Crazy and Get Throwed features was good too but dem other shits was average comin from Jay __________________

10-07-2006, 10:11 AM	#19
Hakaroodi G-UNIT SOLDIER Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 30,516 Repped: 14,425 Repped 952 Times in 224 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 49 Times in 45 Posts	nigga bein clever mayne... __________________

10-07-2006, 04:43 PM	#25
Desert Eagle Veteran Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: LONDON Posts: 4,871 Repped: 41 Repped 160 Times in 39 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 1 Time in 1 Post	lol jays ill fuck dat retirement shit __________________ NEW YORK GIANTS PRIDE!! I get money, money I get...

10-06-2006, 10:28 PM	#2
G Bird Travis G Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Midwest 715 Posts: 8,092 Repped: 3,493 Repped 1,860 Times in 224 Posts Neg Reps: 4 Neg Repped at 53 Times in 22 Posts	Jay-Z is gonna make me some good money................. shh don't tell!!!

10-06-2006, 10:45 PM	#3
RottenApple091906 Lloyd Bank$ Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 143 Repped: 19 Repped 5 Times in 4 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	i think its a stunt this nigga just went for a break and used that as an escuse

10-06-2006, 10:50 PM	#4
Trilltalk Richtowns Finest Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richmond, Killafornia Posts: 3,927 Repped: 1 Repped 10 Times in 2 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	greatest rapper alive..... .

10-06-2006, 11:08 PM	#5
FAmE0uSZ 187 Banned Join Date: May 2006 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 5,456 Repped: 1,146 Repped 771 Times in 131 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quotable: “We don’t resort to violence/We on resorts and islands.” dat shit is wack

10-06-2006, 11:53 PM	#8
Zhiwai G_unit_soldier_Chang Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 9,469 Repped: 15 Repped 49 Times in 8 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Props on this

10-07-2006, 12:48 AM	#9
Spid3r-Loc G-Unit Solidja Till I Die Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ATL Posts: 619 Repped: 0 Repped 0 Times in 0 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	props i guess.....yea it wasnt a real retirment....bullshit....but god damn that single is blowing up fast....a lil 2 fast

10-07-2006, 01:01 AM	#10
leb Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 15,231 Repped: 6,936 Repped 165 Times in 29 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	kool propz ...

10-07-2006, 01:22 AM	#12
THREATS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 9,681 Repped: 525 Repped 263 Times in 138 Posts Neg Reps: 25 Neg Repped at 16 Times in 14 Posts	cool props.

10-07-2006, 01:26 AM	#13
Playboi305 MIA ALL DAY NIGGAZ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: miami/virginia beach Posts: 1,833 Repped: 131 Repped 83 Times in 18 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 2 Times in 2 Posts	should have stayed retired

10-07-2006, 02:21 AM	#14
kevin413 Veteran Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Broad View Park Fort Lauderdale, FL 954 Posts: 6,631 Repped: 3,823 Repped 13 Times in 5 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	pretty nice doesnt seem lik he evr retired

10-07-2006, 05:25 AM	#15
ChUcK C Banned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southside Jamaica Queens,New York Posts: 7,072 Repped: 2,941 Repped 27 Times in 13 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	shoulda stayed retired, wack as fuck

10-07-2006, 07:44 AM	#16
scool Banned Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: DA CHAT SEXHUN THRONE MAFUCCA.. DEEBO WUDDUP?? Posts: 20,134 Repped: 1,328 Repped 2,389 Times in 867 Posts Neg Reps: 267 Neg Repped at 488 Times in 326 Posts	i hateh im lol

10-07-2006, 07:57 AM	#17
RealTalkNY Banned Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 150 Repped: 0 Repped 46 Times in 13 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Video with all of jay-z retirement verses and live performance of 44 4s and DeJa Vu

10-07-2006, 09:02 AM	#18
domdom Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Sydney-Australia Posts: 659 Repped: 80 Repped 55 Times in 5 Posts Neg Reps: 4 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	propz.........

10-07-2006, 01:07 PM	#20
hasan WEST SIDA Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 12,201 Repped: 8,471 Repped 23 Times in 11 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	aight propz

10-07-2006, 01:18 PM	#21
IronCro Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,817 Repped: 1,531 Repped 283 Times in 93 Posts Neg Reps: 21 Neg Repped at 33 Times in 24 Posts	Is that a complete list? What about that Just Blaze remix with Lenny Kravitz. In the video since he was retired they just show a painting of him on the wall of a street corner.

10-07-2006, 02:17 PM	#22
young_min ...... Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 1 Posts: 1,456 Repped: 205 Repped 127 Times in 33 Posts Neg Reps: 7 Neg Repped at 1 Time in 1 Post	propz man !!!

10-07-2006, 04:11 PM	#23
g-unitbrooklynsoulja CURTIS SEPTEMBER 11 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: BROOKLYN Posts: 6,121 Repped: 5,294 Repped 237 Times in 13 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	propsssssss

10-07-2006, 04:36 PM	#24
Speak √°°UиcIə яuĉKus°°√ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: ATL Posts: 2,734 Repped: 786 Repped 2,613 Times in 246 Posts Neg Reps: 25 Neg Repped at 8 Times in 7 Posts	that nigga knew what he was doing

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