JAY-Z "REASONABLE DOUBT" ALBUM REVIEW:

 

ALBUM TITLE: Reasonable Doubt

LABEL: Roc-A-Fella/Priority

RELEASED: June 25, 1996

TOP TRACKS:  Brooklyn's Finest, Dead Presidents II, Regrets, Can I Live

RAPCENTRAL RATING:

  Reasonable Doubt is probably one of the greatest debut albums to have ever been dropped on the rap game. With only selling a an admissible amount of records, this CD was defiantly not a big hit when it came out comparing to other debuts like Get Rich or Die Trying but certainly has become a big influences on the rap game and artist such as The Game who claims inspired him in several records. The cd is pretty much one of the few flawless cd's to come out with a good hook, killer lyrics, and not just a stupid chance to make a few quick dollars with a club hit. This cd signifies the birth of Rocafella Records and the makings of his gigantic buisness which as gotten to be one of the largest in hip hop today including Def Jam. This cd was put together at D&D records in Manhattan with production from DJ Premier, Klark Kent, Ski, Jaz, Peter Panic and Irv Gotti.

   In the record Jay describes how his hardknock life was as a dope pusher and being on the streets in New York. With only selling 420,000 copies its 1st year out hitting the billboard charts ad #22. Nevertheless, it announced the arrival of Jay-Hova, the God Mc, and its moments-"Dead Presidents II" with the Nas sample that would play so greatly in one of the worlds greatest rap battles of all time. After selling 7 other albums the God Mc has sold over 20 million records making him one of the greatest artists of all time.

   Sadly, this is one of hip hops most premier albums which have gotten very little credit for its work to the rap game. The album defiantly puts you in the New York state of mind describing Brooklyn and its drug fiends. "Murder is a tough process, it’s a slow process - (hmmmm) and I ain't got nothing but time". Its lyrics give it a depressing feeling of New York and while going through all of Jay Z's thoughts, you cant understand why he would add such a hook line such as "I want the presidents to represent me" when you know our great leaders have done so much to help our brothers such as Jay ... I guess you could say when Jay wrote this cd he didn’t have much to brag about other than his predicate thoughts of a future he wants to experience after the world feels his skill as an artist.

   I cant help but stress I could make this a few more pages but id rather not so ill just go through a few songs the 1st time listener would like to know. On "Brooklyn's Finest" is fire which brings 2 of the greatest Mc's together to collaborate on a very controversial song. Controversial? Why? Because Biggie has lyrics on the track which specifically aim at Tupac which Jay respected. Biggie had told him "you ready for this track or not" which marks the very small beef Tupac had with Jay. "Dead Presidents II" marks the best song in my opinion on the cd. With a sample of Nas, it also marks the bullets Nas gives Jay on the song "Ether". "D'Evils" "Shit is wicked on these mean streets ... who ever said illegal was the easy way out, couldn't understand the workings and mechanics of the underworld" Its just a pretty psycho track describing the streets. "Can I Live" I don’t know how many, but about 3-4 major artist have used this beat (most recently Mary J Blige). It’s a great track.

   I’m going to close this review out before it gets out of hand on my feelings of the cd. Let me just say, this is perfect work. Pretty much another great work of the 90's that we all miss. Someone give us another Reasonable doubt!

   On a scale of 1-10 this album would have to be a 9.5-10 at least. It is impossible to dismiss this album with work so grimy and cultured. I would defiantly recommend buying the cd. When I 1st listened I could not put it down. I can’t remember why of all albums I could buy I bought this one ... it was a good choice.

Review By: ShatterPoint