Jay-Z arguably is the best rapper alive. He has sold more than 17 million albums. He's co-founded a rap label and clothing line, both multimillion-dollar endeavors. His music has attracted a fan base that ranges from teenage girls to die-hard hip-hoppers. He even has a shoe deal with Reebok.
Now, at the height of his fame, the Brooklyn-bred rapper says he's putting down the microphone. Not since Michael Jordan announced his second retirement in 1999, after he led the Chicago Bulls to the 1998 NBA Championship, has an entertainer quit at such a pinnacle.
On his final opus, "The Black Album," Jay-Z says "goodbye" to his fans and fellow rappers with 14 tracks filled with braggadocio rhymes, personal reflection and intricate beats.
But before he leaves, Jigga wants everybody to know he's still on top of his game. He repeatedly stakes his claim as king of rap music. On "What More Can I Say," Jay-Z puts his career in perspective and challenges other rappers to fill his void.
"Add that to the fact I went plat' a bunch of times/Times that by my influence on pop culture/I supposed to be No. 1 on everybody's list/We'll see what happens when I no longer exist."
As he has throughout his career, Jay-Z addresses a wide variety of topics through his brash delivery of complex lyrics.
On the track "December 4th," Jay-Z starts from the beginning, as he raps about his childhood and rise to rap stardom.
"Moment of Clarity," produced by Detroit native Eminem, describes Jay-Z's turbulent relationship between him and his father with startling honesty.
Despite its occasional dark subject matter, "The Black Album" also gives listeners some more laid-back, party music.
The lead single, "Change Clothes," has Jigga flowing flirtatiously over a pop-tinged beat, courtesy of The Neptunes. The track works as a lighthearted break from the album's more serious moments, but Jay-Z's lyrics are subpar - it sounds too much like "Frontin'," also a Jay-Z/The Neptunes collaboration.
Jay-Z strays from more conventional rap production and employs Rick Rubin, who has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys, for a rock-driven track, "99 Problems." The rapper's delivery sounds surprisingly smooth over the banging drums and electric guitar.
Other album highlights include the soulful "Encore," where Jay-Z references Jordan's return from retirement, leaving the door open for his own comeback.
On "Interlude," Jay-Z displays the same hunger he had when he debuted in 1996 and finally addresses his much-rumored relationship with Beyoncé Knowles: "Flier than a piece of paper bearing my name/Got the hottest chick in the game wearin' my chain."
Jigga's swan song, however, has a few disappointing moments. Jay-Z sounds bored rapping over an unoriginal beat by Timbaland on "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," and despite its clever song title, "Justify My Thug" sounds corny and doesn't seem to inspire Jay-Z lyrically.
Fans also should note there are no guest appearances or bonus tracks on "The Black Album." The former might disappoint fans accustomed to Jay-Z's collaborations with other famous rappers such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Eminem, but it seems fitting that he holds the spotlight for the album's duration.
Overall, "The Black Album" is an appropriate sendoff for Jay-Z. His lyrics are sharp and clever, his flow is smooth and varied, and the beats are innovative and fun.
Basically, Jay-Z proves he's still one of rap's best artists. The only question is whether this truly is Jigga's last solo effort. Can he walk away from rap and never look back, or will his quest for greatness bring him back? Only time will tell.
Suggested listening: In your car on Grand River Avenue with your windows down and the bass up. I don't care if it's winter.
If you liked "The Black Album," check out: Past Jay-Z classics such as "The Blueprint" and "Reasonable Doubt" or "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G.
