Not a big Jay-Z fan but my son is so listened and watched video of this song. Lyrics about Jews owning all real estate and art shocked me. Had no idea he harbored such ignorant, base views. Really to bad and so disappointing.
4
Please let it be known if you're black/white before you comment lol, what is a rich man who's never written a lyric down supposed to rap about? he doesn't hustle anymore, nor does he starve anymore. This album wasn't necessary, his fans like me didn't need it but he needed it. It' probably his only way of healing (who the hell cheats on Beyoncé anyways) and making some money at the same time. he's earned every bit of it. This is his 13th album, don't expect him to rap about his poor days. He did that already.
Can think of no more pointless an endeavour than pouring over the lyrics of Jay-Z hoping for something profound.
2
Nothing new here. Rap is old, stale and overdone. Want to cement your legacy Jay-Z, come up with a new genre of music!!
I doubt he has killed off his ego, that is a little dramatic. If he had actually broken down his ego, he would no longer be Jay Z because he would have realized that Jay Z the persona was constructed by his ego and then would have to answer such existential questions such as who am I? Is this album a reflection of him looking within and getting in touch with his emotions, probably. And considering where Jay Z started - "floss if ya wanna floss, its all right.." that in itself is fascinating.
Anyway, I have found Jay Z's rapping style to be monotonous, he raps in a monotone, with his songs being propped up by a good hook, a catchy loop, guest vocals (alicia keys - NY State of Mind is an example) and his vocabulary is limited and simplistic. Words that rhyme with go away - easy. Words that rhyme with chicanery - hard (Souls of Mischief, Proper Aim).
Anyway, I have found Jay Z's rapping style to be monotonous, he raps in a monotone, with his songs being propped up by a good hook, a catchy loop, guest vocals (alicia keys - NY State of Mind is an example) and his vocabulary is limited and simplistic. Words that rhyme with go away - easy. Words that rhyme with chicanery - hard (Souls of Mischief, Proper Aim).
There are people and bands out there composing lyrical, interesting, poetry, but you may have to search for them. Forty years of this and no new genre ? It's time.
2
There is some risk in showing vulnerability. They are more authentic, and sane than the entertainers that now dominate the political scene.
1
For those who are saying that they are now the equivalent of the Kardashians level reality show because they are sharing the personal details of their lives.... your ignorance betrays you greatly. The differences -1) both Beyonce and Jay-Z have *talent* that exceed their predilection toward exhibitionism (which is ALL the Kardashians have);2) both Beyonce and Jay-Z have been notoriously private in the past, so their move toward self-disclosure can be viewed as a notable *evolution* in their music (and maybe lives?); and finally (and perhaps most importantly) they have provided us Instagram filters of the perfect life and perfect love affair for years, whenever we might have the opportunity to glimpse the paparazzi photos and such taken of their private lives. They are removing those filters and telling us that they (and their love affair) is not perfect. But that they have fought through it to make it work. That is a rawness that we are rarely privy to from anyone we're connected to on Social Media, much less celebrities. With their perfectly crafted lives. Where the sun is always shining. The grass is always green. And the champagne is always flowing. As cultural icons that people follow so closely and look up to, perhaps there is some great value in Jay-Z and Beyonce sharing that they struggle, and are challenged, and overcome those challenges too.
23
I couldn't get through the entirety of that opinion but i think they are artists; and probably connected to singer-songwriter acts from the 70s who had incestuous break-ups (Carly Simon, James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac et al). In this era one can see couples work harder to stay together for better or worse, and for better or worse albums.
They should keep their private lives private as they had done...more dignified and it's also safer for the kids....I hope they become private again....both are so talented, but please keep your life private.
Nope, not interested. Very much over artists like Bey and Jay who sell their privacy for millions. I don't know why they think they're above the Kardashians.
17
Celebrities are people who get paid to be in the public light because the public is interested in their life. That's how it works, why would anyone expose theirselves to strangers for free?
He and Beyonce should get a show like the Kardashians.
7
Has anyone ever seen that Portlandia episode where Fred Armison preps for then goes to a Jay-Z concert? Hilarious.
I am like Fred's character, I know nothing of Jay-Z nor will I ever. Ditto Kanye West. All's I do know is that they make way too much money for what they're producing. I wish I understood their mass or commercial appeal to so many.
I am like Fred's character, I know nothing of Jay-Z nor will I ever. Ditto Kanye West. All's I do know is that they make way too much money for what they're producing. I wish I understood their mass or commercial appeal to so many.
13
How could you say, "I know nothing of Jay-Z nor will I ever..." and then say, "...wish I understood their mass or commercial appeal." How could you say you know nothing about something and profess that you'll never investigate it and then claim that you wished you understood it? You lost me when you wrote, "All's I do know...." "All's"? Really? Are you kidding?
22
Too bad there's nothing you could listen to, or maybe read about these artists since you so wish you understood them better....
1
Shallow.
16
"Beyoncé, whose “Lemonade” has remained a Tidal exclusive since its release in April 2016." Not true -- you can buy it on itunes
8
It remains a Tidal exclusive for streaming, as stated in the article.
7
I was firmly in the Hilton Als camp of not caring about Beyoncé until her sister assaulted Jay-Z in an elevator. "Lemonade" changed that. Although the internet will probably say their relationship woes are manufactured to sell records, the dialogue and poetry of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's albums are powerful and their anguish creates impressive music. I enjoy every one of Jay-Z's albums. I will even confess to still loving "Big Pimpin'." I love seeing the evolution of him as an artist and as a man. I look forward to the day I can listen to 4:44, but I'm sorry, Mr. Carter. I'm still not going to subscribe to Tidal.
14
Just listened to it. Interesting that he can say "Jewish people own all the property in America." Is Jay-Z alt-right?
28
Yes, from everything I heard and read, Beyonce really deserved to win the Grammy for Best Album for "Lemonade." I am sorry she did not win. The work was far more groundbreaking than Adele's "25."
17
From the lyrics quoted in this article, it is evident that this album is filled with misogyny and hate for law enforcement.
18
If you would have listened to it you would know that it doesn't mention law enforcement at all and actually he apologizes for his misogynistic past because he's come to understand hisself as well as the women in his life.
"“But I’m tryin’ to give you a million dollars’ worth of game for $9.99.”
Actually, you couldn't pay me.
Actually, you couldn't pay me.
18
Chances are... he isn't speaking to you.
3
But nothing about Trump? I remember a time when our greatest songwriters would use their platform to address the failures of US leadership. I guess maybe Jay doesn't want to tick off red state tidal subscribers?
10
More Jay-Z rapping about rich guy problems...yawn. At this point he's probably just making music to prop Tidal up.
29
Actually he's rapping about human problems and societal issues but had you listened to the album or throughly read the article, you would know that.
Yuck, no thanks. I'm having a hard time being convinced that billionaires rapping about how tough it is to be a celebrity is going to work for me as entertainment.
I love the oxymoron "famously private" here. That just about says it, doesn't it? So the famously private hide their marital woes (etc.) behind an impenetrable screen of pop hits that describe them in explicit detail.
I don't think I need to hear about Jay-Z's difficulties investing in the real estate and art markets. I'd rather listen to the real hip-hop being done underground.
I love the oxymoron "famously private" here. That just about says it, doesn't it? So the famously private hide their marital woes (etc.) behind an impenetrable screen of pop hits that describe them in explicit detail.
I don't think I need to hear about Jay-Z's difficulties investing in the real estate and art markets. I'd rather listen to the real hip-hop being done underground.
37
You're making a lot of assumptions.... none of them being accurate.
4.44 sounds so intriguing that I have to listen to it (and i'm a dinosaur who still buys CDs). I really like the renaissance of themed albums, where the artist has worked out a thread of meaning and sound of hi/hers own, as opposed to disconnected singles. Creative royalty at work.
26
I like this
4
This will be an interesting follow-up to Beyonce's Lemonade album, which I still believe was far and away the most profound and ground-breaking work of 2016 and should have won the Grammy for best album of the year.
33