Jay Z - 'American Gangster' (Roc-A-Fella) Released 05/11/07

Having proved his worth time and time again many believe Jay-Z to be one of the best to ever do it. While healthy arguments about this particular topic will never be agreed upon, there really have been times throughout his highly successful career when the man they call S. Carter has needed to step his rap game up. With last year’s less-than-desirable ‘Kingdom Come’ failing to ignite the magic that his previous effort, ‘The Black Album’, conjured up with ease, you’d be forgiven for not taking the time out to get excited over his new project.

Churned out at the speed of light – which might have something to do with its poor promotion, ‘American Gangster’ follows the life of a street hustler from beginning to end. While some of the tales told may be written recreations of past situations that Jay himself got in to as a youngster, there are also many storylines taken from the Denzel Washington flick of the same name.

Making way for some lyrically reflective moments, cuts such as ‘Fallin’ and ‘American Dream’ dispel any rumours that the Jiggaman may be losing his touch. With gangster-isms coming thick and fast, the flawless instrumental backdrops provide an almost soundtrack-like quality to Jay’s rhymes. ‘Ignorant Shit’ samples the Isley Brothers classic ‘Between The Sheets’, and after taking in Beanie Sigel’s much welcomed return to the mic as well as the feel-good drum loop you’re left with an unquestionable banger.

While some have speculated that Lil’ Wayne as of late has subliminally aimed a few disses in the Jiggaman’s direction, this didn’t stop Jay recruiting the King of the 16 bar feature to drop some rhymes on the bass-heavy ‘Hello Brooklyn’. Removing the soul sample from the schedule for a moment, Wayne and Jay’s beat ripping skills shine like the polish on a soldier’s boot. ‘Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)’ hears Jay to get his hustle on and represent for his Roc-A-Fella homies, while on ‘Success’ he’s heard exchanging bars with his once nemeses, now labelmate, Nas.

‘I Know’ provides the album’s only slip up due to its commercially poor production, but one bad apple out of a tasty batch is a pretty good result. Although it’s not the official soundtrack or film score for ‘American Gangster’ it should be. It’s a well-structured and musically responsible project with more impact than a bullet to the head. Hova’s home!