The issue is you went from the blueprint all the way to 4:44. By this time he wasn’t really concerned with making bangers. This album is a diary of where he was in his life after being the biggest rap star ever.
@@limbosfinest When I say that I’m talking about the total package. He came in independent, was running rap for 7 straight years, became the president of def jam, came back to rap, then became a billionaire. There may be better rappers but I don’t think you can name one that’s more accomplished while still being able to maintain his relevance commercially and in the streets at the same time.
He did Watch the Throne and heard several features. That being said, the biggest flaw in your argument is that the album before this is Magna Carta Holy Grail. As the name implies, it is grandiose and opulent with big sounds, great lines and complex beats, same goes with his preceding losses like “I Got the Keys” and “Shining” on Khalid’s albums. 4:44 was an abrupt turn, raw, personal and intentional.
@@deemanDavid Watch the the throne is not a Jay-Z album. None of his collaborative albums are any kind of reflection of what his solo material sounds like. Magna Carta was a progression but was still largely Jay talking shit over tracks from his go to producers. 4:44 was something completely different. A person who only listened to reasonable doubt, the blueprint and watch the throne is naturally going to be thrown off when they hear 4:44.
When it comes to the production I always appreciated it for how technical and creative it is from a sample perspective. Go look at a breakdown of the The Story of OJ, No I.D. went ham in how he chopped the original song.
This album is already a classic. He didn’t need or want big Boomin production. This album was vulnerable, and usually jay z doesn’t get this personal, so having these deep routed soul samples was a breath of fresh air for jay z and it’s definately top three in his catalogue.
Great video and album. You got to remember Jay Z was 40 something making this album, so the prospective is of a grown ass man. I think you got that towards the end of the album. OJ, is saying no matter what you do in life, people are going to see you as black. The Prince line is that they made Prince house into a museum, the place where he died, less than a year after he died.
This is totaly random but, I was thinking the other day ”What if Bob reacted to Westside gunn” and i relised his head whould obviously just become permanently shiny
Yeah I’m waiting for someone to put him on to Griselda… I think he should do a Benny album… (Conway is my favorite rapper)… and before he gets to Westside Gunn he should first go to Supreme Clientele… followed by Supreme Blientele
Everyones talking about the production so I just want to highlight the sheer amount of double and triple entendres here are insane. Its incredible how after so many years he is still able to be so on top of his pen game while retaining substance and focused subject matter.
I'm halfway thru the reaction, and like I had suspected, I think you should have listened to a few more landmark Jay-Z albums before listening to his final one. This was his first introspective and vulnerable album and I think one would appreciate it more if they had listened to more than two of his albums. It's almost more like a diary instead of an album. Perfect way for him to end his career. Hopefully you start to understand the theme a bit more as this reaction continues. This wasn't a criticism by the way lol love the channel. Just wanted to pause and write that comment. Edit: (I expect this album to grow on you though, similar to how Damn did. Think you just came in with different expectations.)
I agree that Bob should have totally listened to more Jay-Z. But, Jay-Z has been introspective and vulnerable throughout his career. I mean, You Must Love me on Vol. 1 - God Damn if that isn't introspective. I just think he buried them more earlier in his career.
@@KevinKovach36 yeah of course there were a few tracks here and there, but not much. you probably named his most vulnerable song up until this album. there were a few tracks on blueprint, black album, and some of his other albums. but not a whole introspective themed album until this one.
This album is mysterious, minimal, (i think for intention) lyrical, introspective, and it adds up to be a condensed masterpiece. The production seems weaker because it is a conventional conversational album with Shawn Carter telling his story and confession.
I think you rushed it. The reason it hit “us” so hard is because how the production and the intimacy play against two decades of conventional Jay Z. And the lyrical density. Good stuff. Try that Solange album for some radical indie RnB.
the story of OJ beat was used for the "story of adidon" diss by push T , both songs talk about how Oj and Drake don't express their black side and when they do its when they want support. Like how push said drake was too scared to grow his hair cuz it wouldn't nap enough and oj "im not black im Oj" but both are still black no matter what they say or do
theres some great interviews with jayz or no id that explains the intention of the production more, ALSO the. cd of this album sounds incredible, such a huge difference to headphones i recommend to bump it in the car
you might not see this but the fact you have not listened to "center of attention" by pete rock and inl is surprising. it is one of the best hip hop albums in my opinion from the 90s, everything about the album is perfect from the beat, rhymes, and the flow. this album is a definite must listen
Bob should do reviews with people to get more context. Still N is a purposefully constructed track from lyrics to production. First looking at production, No ID uses Four Women, a song by Nina Simone; who's lyrics in her song explain the varried but connected experiences of four black women.. hence his reference to complexion. When you look at his lyrics he is saying the perception of black folks themselves and the world's perception of black folk are fractured (because black people are in the end relegated to being just black ) and the only resolve is to have self love. .. His OJ reference "I not black, I'm OJ" is from a quote OJ was supposed to have said, alluding to his celebrity shielding him from the persecution of a black man k*lling a white woman.. his stardom changed after that trial.
Jay is in my top 3, he was my favorite rapper for most of my youth. I don't love this album. I get it, and I appreciate it kinda like an art piece. It's a raw, minimalistic, honest examination of his status as an icon and his priorities as a person. That's all great. I've just always found it to be more interesting than enjoyable.
The Story of OJ is about: 1) Black people thinking they’re “above” being black when that’s mostly what the country sees them as, 2) Financial freedom as a way to escape that box Not saying I agree with Jay. But that’s what he’s saying
I think this song is about him getting closure with himself for the passing of his mother and grandmother and continuing life with the lessons they taught him. Is so powerful for person that just say my mother is dead cuz most of the time we never do that we say they passed away cuz we don't want to have to admit ourselves if they're not coming back so we say that gone they left
Story of OJ he meant what he said in the chorus, no matter the skin shade if you’re black you’re black and that’s how “amerikkka” sees you. But still giving game for 9.99 😂
I was the same way when I first heard 4:44 but after about 6 listens it’s a good album, not his best though….wait till you hear “The Black Album” guaranteed 10/10! It’s gonna blow you away!!!
A lot of people hate this album. However, I’m not one of them. I’m an older hip-hop head was pretty much here from the beginning so I’m a fan of seeing the growth it’s like watching hip-hop turn into a grown man. Good album
Just discovered your breakdowns and you’re great dude! If you’ve never seen the breakdown of the sample for Story of O.J it’s an insane arrangement. Check it out!
444 is such an amazing song. It’s a mans apology for a mans actions. something many men can’t ever start on addressing. It’s like a song you’d never expect from a man like Jay
I love Jay-Z, but this is a niche album. I don't hate it but there are some way better albums from him. I know you did Blueprint and that's a good choice, but you should do Reasonable Doubt and The Black Album. I think that would capture his career pretty good. I also think American Gangster is a slept on classic. Some great lyrics and some of the best production. I also think you should take a more song-by-song approach to Jay-Z. For example, In My Lifetime Vol. 1 has some of his best songs, but is probably his weakest album. Same thing with Blueprint 2 - a lot of filler, but some of his best songs. Maybe you could reach out to your fan base for song recommendations.
Production wise this album has really intricate sample flips but the entire album lacks hard hitting drums..and I've always thought it was purposeful because it isn't really replicated anywhere else in No I.D.'s beats. So you can tell No I.D. did it that way because he wanted Jay's lyrics to shine which is different from his other projects. I personally wasn't into it as much either, but I've always respected the concept. This is probably Jay's only introspective album all the way through to date and I don't expect him to make another so I appreciate the uniqueness and vulnerability of this one even though I don't love the sound.
Like the album. My only criticism is it feels like incomplete songs structurally. No ID gave him the loops and he put verses over the loops, no hooks etc. No ID is literally Kanyes mentor.
you should probably give jay-z and beyoncé’s joint album ‘everything is love’ that came out after both lemonade and 4:44!!! it’s a really great album and i think would be a good analysis for you!
'you're on the gram holding money to your ear, theres a disconnect we dont call that money over here' is still one of the hardest bars ive heard in recent times/releases
4:44 hits way harder when youve gone through his whole discog in order.. and also understand his full journey... you get to see him grow from the street hustler. to a grown man. ( a mature man ) he's killing "Jay-Z" because he no longer needs that persona he's outgrown that part of his life.
Jay-Z does not mean culture what he is suggesting is that no matter what position in life people of color are in that the perception of them is still "N....." And also addressing the pestilence suggesting that no matter what position achieved many of us still remain "N......"
I think what you’re missing with this album is Jay’s complete journey. He’s gone from the youthful hubris, ex drug dealing successful rapper, to a still reliant billionaire rapper in his 50s. This album is trying to show the generation behind him maturity. How to be in tune with your fillings, take care of family and those close to you, think about your financial future, etc. Lessons a father would teach their children, without a preachy feel. Lessons that aren’t taught or received to lots of black youth. Anyway. Hope this helps somewhat.
Yep. The only 2 Jay albums Bob had listened to is from when Jay was in his 20s. He's now in his mid 40s here and at the end of his career lol. And yeah, he was giving a lot of game to the next generation of rappers and black youth in general. I expect it to grow on Bob a lot though when he does his additional thoughts. Similar to how "Damn" did when he reacted to that album.
So a father teaching his son to be a successful drug dealer is supposed to be inspiring.. C'mon I love Jay Z but u gotta think logically bout what u're saying especially when influencing kids and teaching them how to be successful. There's so many ways to reach that and glorifying drug dealing to them is one of the worst ways to do so
@@abdelkadernair9648 when did jay-z recommend drug dealing to anyone in this album? let me know, i’m curious. and obviously jay-z is not our fathers. it was an analogy.
This is why I feel it’s important to listen to the albums in order from first to last because it shows the growth of the artist throughout their career. I mean he was in his late 40s when he released this album. This album is what our hip hop legends should sound like. Wisdom.
Yeah, I hear ya. jay Z has been tough in that regard since most people only recommend a handful of his albums. Doing all of them would probably take me a decade lol
On retrospective I actually think Marcy Me is one of the best Hov tracks off all times..... "Came through the bushes smelling like roses, i need a trophy just for that......."
this is my favorite jay z album. first listen was rough asf for me as well; its like jay z making an experimental hip hop album. in case you didn't know, No ID was kanye's mentor production wise. he is the one who got kanye to make the otis beat off watch the throne on the spot. legendary producer who did a lot for the chicago hip hop scene, working with common in the 90s as well. he also produced majority of the beats on vince staples' debut album summertime 06, which i would highly recommend!!!
Man, what a treat this album was. Jay-Z is the goat. Been a while since this album was released. Definitely been fiendin for a new Hov album for a couple years. Praying for one more 🙏🏾
The thing with this album is its a mature, grown adult RAP album from a Legend. Hip hop is a young mans game, and a lot of the disconnect comes from not expecting THIS subject matter. Like Mr. Morale. Once that disconnect settles it feels better, like the back half of the album does for you.
I'm excited to see if Bob recognises the Story of OJ beat from The Story of Adidon. EDIT: I'm not very far into the reaction yet but I had to shout out the genuine stank-face from Bob at 7:54 EDIT: Speaking of The Story of OJ, Bob, you should absolutely check out the sample in your own time - the song is called "Four Women" by Nina Simone and it's phenomenal
Story of OJ is one of my favorite song and music video pairings of all time. Such a genius video for such a genius sample and a great lyrical performance from Jay Z with such strong cultural relevance. I didn't expect Bob to get the song or sample meaning all the way because of the cultural knowledge needed, I do hope he watches some reactions from black RU-vidrs from back when the video first dropped in 2017, the discussions were great.
Context behind moonlight.. La la land was mistakenly announced as the winner for best picture at the Oscar’s over Moonlight.. “even when we win we gon lose” referencing how the incident overshadowed moonlights win who had a predominantly black cast and director
You did jump from an album released in 2001 to 2017. He's not the same man at this point in his life and there's plenty more context that brings him to this point. It's a laid-back, introspective audio diary from a man in his late 40's
Around the 32:30 mark there was a broken up double entendre about European Whips, of course as flashy cars, but also like slave whips and he follows it with "God sent me to break the chain" to start the next bar 🔥
You've heard the instrumental to The Story of OJ before as Pusha T used on The Story of Addidon as the themes of the Jay Z track relate to the artwork (drake in blackface) and the themes of Drake being insecure of his race in the diss track.
4:44 is definitely one of his best songs, I always looked at it as being parallel to Song Cry, but how he had to deal with that situation in real life instead of just a song
Definitely one that grows on you the more listens you go through. I think you really enjoy “American Gangster” I think it’s an underrated album that has some great lyricism to it. Thanks for the reaction !
In my opinion, this is his 3rd best album behind The Blueprint and Reasonable Doubt. Also, I love your content Bob, I watch the whole thing all the time and it’s so entertaining watching you dissect and analyze the lyrics
No ID was Kanye West’s mentor. Last thing I’ll say is that after 13 albums of Jay-Z talking shit, it was amazing to hear him be completely real and intentional.
For the Story of OJ hook, the "still" part means that no matter who you are as a person of color, rich, poor, classy, hood, you're still a person of color in the eyes of society
Certain songs have so much cultural depth that it can really only be understood and appreciated by the people within that culture. Not to say it can’t be enjoyed by others but it will be enjoyed on its surface only and that’s okay.
super random unrelated album suggestion, Black Panther: The Album. relating to the 2018 film. A movie album reaction could be interesting, and that one in my opinion is one of the best. you would definitely enjoy it, and to really sell it… it’s basically a kendrick album.
Don’t force yourself Bob! It’s fine to not like it! Somethings are for us and some of it is not! Some stuff I can respect as a artistic expression but sonically it’s just not for me! Also keep in mind that this is NOT a Jayz album… it’s a Sean Carter album… the expectation that this was going to be a different sound and energy was set at the beginning with kill jayz
these beats are weird for some reason I remember it took me like 10 listens to get used to them this maybe is controversial opinion but I personally think that this album and album he did with Jay Electronica in 2020 named A Written Testimony, where he even isn't credited contains his best verses to date hopefully he will release something soon, maybe Nas run will motivate him to compete again, lol
A Jay album nowadays would be a welcome treat. I feel like he got albums left in him, he still raps to the same calibre he did on 4:44. I imagine a Jay album now would sound way more abstract lol
Hey Bob. Just a suggestion for your list of albums to listen to: Big KRIT’s discography. In one of your more recent videos somebody suggested his (widely agreeable) magnum opus 4eva is a mighty long time, but I personally think that if you were to delve into his catalogue you should start with his older tapes and build up to 4eva. I’m certain that you’ll enjoy his amazing production and rawness
I think the first track is Kill Jayz , I presume so we don't enter into this album looking for the Jay-Z sound that we are used to. The whole thing is very stripped down.
You gotta do The Black Album bob it has a lot of sounds i think youd really mess with even over the blueprint and reasonable doubt(even tho the bp is my favorite)
hey Bob, I recommend giving Bizzare Ryde II The Pharcyde a listen, very underrated album that didn't get its spotlight and definitely one of my favourite albums of all time
Tomi lahren of fox news called jay z a "drug dealer" live on TV afrer beyonces 2016 superbowl performance bcause it was black panther/black power/"black lives matter" inspired w the afros and fists. Thats when the discussion of how jay z could be seen as just a "drug dealer" just a "N-" by ppl like tomi even after all his accomplishments anf accolades ??
Jay-z and Beyoncé address the cheating and the relationship on there album “Everything is love” by: both of them called The carters you should definitely listen to it was very good
If I’m not mistaken you’ve only reviewed 2 of Jayz albums plus this one. You missed about 3 or 4 plus compilations that’s a great deal of albums. Note at this time in his life he’s 40 plus, hes really mature at this point an it shows in his music.
