Review 9 of 14

eightiesbaby writes:

3of 5 Stars

The Inspiration>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>kingdom come, any other hip hop album from this year.

Jay did this thang. can't hate.

Dec 4, 2006 17:35:15

Review 10 of 14

JamezQball writes:

4of 5 Stars

I believe that every man wants to be more than just a mere man. and in my eyes, this is Shawn Carter(JAY Z)is using this comeback album to alert the masses of his first steps. as always, whenever someone attempts to go against the norm, their will be some rejection. i beg that people understand that the only thing constant is change, and Jay Z the rapper is no exception. would it serve a exmarine good to act as though he was still in combat if now he was president of a bank?

Honestly, i think that a lot of people are not looking at his new cd correctly,or perhaps misunderstanding it.Just like the rest of his career, i see it as a man who is in his mid thirties, telling the story of his life as it happens. Clearly you wouldnt expect someone of jay z's stature to be out commiting violent acts or selling drugs. his music has always been a commentary of his life. whether it be what he was doing before rap like selling drugs and other negative activity(,D'evils,cant knock the hustle), relationships with family and girlfriends(song cry, you must love me) or just partying or dancing and mysoginstic rants(big pimpin,money, cash, hoes). all of his CDs have been our ticket to walk a day in the life of Jay-z. This new cd is no different. the thing that has changed are his interests. with witty wordplay, some of which u must be knowledgeable in pop culture and other topics to understand, he describes why he cant stay away from the game(intro)how he never gaveup(track 2,and Momma i made it), and even his take on new orleans(minority report). I beleive "beach chair shows the most growth of jay z as a lyrisist. lines like "I'm not afraid of dyin' I'm afraid of not tryin
everyday hit every wave like im Hawaiian" tells of his incredable determination and shows why he is where he is. he implies spiritual connection and growth with the lines "some said "Hov how you get so fly"
i said from not being afraid to fall out the sky
my physicals a shell so when i say farewell
my soul will find an even higher plane to dwell". other highlights are the songs where he addresses situations with maturity and responsibility(lose one) and not only shows maturity and logic, but also serves as a role model of sorts on thirtys the new 20. i believe that the few low points are show me what you got, anything, and the life or whatever that song is called with beyonce.but i must mention that the song with beyonce does adress jays view on showbiz from his standpoint. almost in a precautionary way, as to let people know that you must be prepared for fame cause it is no walk in the park. In conclusion, if you are a true hip hop fan, buy this album. If your someone who is willing to really listen toand understand lyrics, then you will find that jay z's new cd is a diamond in the rough.

Nov 30, 2006 16:26:53

Review 11 of 14

DENIRO7 writes:

1of 5 Stars

Kingdom should have never come.

Nov 30, 2006 14:34:36

Review 12 of 14

Danny23 writes:

1of 5 Stars

the music is just okay, the words are a piece of crap. Either put some effort into the CD or stay retired.

Nov 30, 2006 12:26:02

Review 13 of 14

downtoearth writes:

4of 5 Stars

For the fan yearning for Reasonable Doubt or even The Blueprint this album is a disappointment. For the listener who accepts that as CEO of Def Jam and top dog at Rocafella Hova is in a totally different creative space, this album quenches our collective thirst for more bars from arguably (think Nasir jones) the best emcee alive. His guest appearances hit and miss. Do U Wanna ride with John Legend is a winner while his collabos with Beyonce and Chris Martin could've been left on the cutting room floor. I think as a businessman Hov was just trying to draw in more "casual" fans to his fan base. The Dre tracks bang and Just Blaze lives up to his name as usual. Overall this album is a 4.25 in my book.
Mature rap. Get used to it.

Nov 28, 2006 12:37:28

Review 14 of 14

cruzmissile writes:

4of 5 Stars

Jay sets out to put out alot of fires with his much anticipated 'comeback' (though you can hardly call it a retirement). Fans will get what they want from Dre, namely an infectous drum and a memorable beat, from '30 something' where Jay addresses the shots from Dip Set delivered all throughout 2006 and at the same time establishes his mindset and his maturation as a person and artist. In what is possibly the best track on the album, 'Minority Report', Jay delivers his own self-dissatisfaction as well as near utter disgust with the Katrina situation. Ne-Yo gives a well delivered outro to the uniquely formated one-verse song. The radio friendly 'Show me what you got', 'Kingdom Come' are just that, typical. Although 'Kingdom Come’ is one of the most bearable radio songs Jay puts on 'to keep the registers ringin'. For the most part Jay works, in his typically top-form lyrical manner, to set himself apart as a rap legend AND budding business man. At the same time Jay seeks to show you his maturation both in outlook and music. A nice change of pace to the flow of this album, as most tracks are very listenable to a wide array of listeners. You will not find too much braggadocious, rim-spinning, gat-weilding ego here. What you will find is a a slightly condescending, braggadocious attempt to make you see that he is on a totally different level than anyone before him. Jay's unique position leaves him slightly confused and in a transition period between 'Young' and CEO. The confusion is evident on the albums worst tracks, 'Anything' and 'Oh My God'. Both are forgettable and pointless, and one is surprisingly produced by usual fire-maker K. West! 'Show me What you Got' and 'Hollywood' might not find their way to your MP3 playlist unless you are under 15 or addicted to overplayed 'pop-hip-hop'. Overall, 'Kingdom Come' is a solid album that may be equal to 'Black Album' (both produced very well)or 'Blueprint' (although certainly not as fresh) but falls short of the classic 'Reasonable Doubt' (although far more introspective and intriguing due to the ongoing maturity of Hov.) What I find myself missing is a great story telling track like we know Hov can do(‘D’Evils, Meet The Parents). Lack of depth with lyrical wordplay leave a little more to want, but overall a strong display of Jay-Z's rediculously smooth and unmatched flow and delivery. Only listening to the album once through, I reserve judgement on where this will end up. Probably like Blueprint, Volume 1, and The Black Album, it is short of Reasonable Doubt and second place is up for discussion over Bubbly and a J.

Nov 21, 2006 19:32:27