Jay-Z - 4:44

Jay-Z
4:44
2017
TIDAL

When Jay-Z announced 4:44 it was of course a TIDAL (Jay's music streaming company) exclusive, oh but if you had Sprint you could get a free trial. This is hip hop corporate intermingling that we really have not seen since the Super Bowl shuffle. It feels grimey, but it is in essence a really great album and you find yourself forgetting about the barriers keeping you from it in the first place. You can call it Dad rap or maybe rap with wisdom: "Want to know whats better than throwing away money in the strip club? CREDIT" is some of those truths Jay drops on "The Story of O.J." one of the records finest tracks. Jay-Z reminds you why is he considered one of the smoothest rappers of all time while still managing to sound relevant. He speaks not about hustling or nostalgia for his days in the streets anymore and instead focuses on his current situation, the people questioning his methods and all the people still continuing to doubt him. 4:44 is an album really concerned with legacy, how will Jay-Z be remembered both by history as well as his family. Speculation assumed that this record would be a response to Beyonce's Lemonade and some of the cheating allegations leveled at Jay-Z but the album is almost entirely unconcerned. He is lyrically devastating showing some delivery prowess that is staggering for even Jay-Z.  His voice dances from occasional whispers to downright smiling and it feels joyous perfectly suited for his age and style. If Jay would have tried to go to modern, or tried to recreate former glories it just would not have worked it would have felt to false.

That is probably why the exclusive TIDAL release feels so much worse, this could have been his opus but instead it has to many strings attached. "Family Feud" which features Beyonce does not particularly allow her to shine, but is a chance for Jay-Z to clear up some of the things that have been said about him since Lemonade was released. The same can be said for the other features on 4:44 as they take a backseat to let Jay really be the most Jay he can possibly be. Producer No I.D. captures the sound that is perfect for Jay-Z right now, not him 10 years ago or him 10 years in the future and never tries to chase some kind of club banger or something destined for radio play. On "Legacy" Jay-Z lays out his plan for not just his own success but for the success of all black people pulling everyone up. In just 36 minutes Jay-Z reminds us all why he is one of the greatest of all time and He does it with an ease and grace that very few rappers could hope to imitate. Just imagine what a triumph the wold would be calling 4:44 if it did not come with the corporate baggage. Wow.

8.9 out of 10