Shawn Carter has released another masterpiece. On par with his magnum opus 'Reasonable Doubt', Jay provides the gritty production of No I.D. on every track, and shows us the smooth flow never left.
The introduction track labelled 'Kill Jay-Z' is actually my favorite thus far. The violins and background synth create an urban sound reminiscent of sirens and the projects at night. This is a more melancholy track that plays as pre-cursor to a new style and empathetic Jay-Z (throughout the album).
'Fuck Jay Z, I mean, you shot your own brother. How can we know if we can trust Jay Z?' He is shedding his skin here, for so long people have said he stole his brother's rhymes (Notorious BIG) and flow, but now he's showing he is a man all his own. This is an album dedicated to the truth; Jay-Z seems obsessed with his reality with this album, and that is why he has revealed his own wickedness and weakness throughout.
His guests in Damian Marley and the samples of his daughter (Blue Ivy) yet again show his dynamic taste for the uncanny, and his ability to rap on any type of melody. He is a true artist, and from Magna Carta he has elevated himself into a dynamo yet again, at over 40 years old Jay-Z is still at the top of his class...in fact he is the professor.
The self titled track '4:44' displays awe inspiring background vocals that provide a feel of early music from Kanye; 'Marcy Me' is another concrete jungle ode to the days when he only had a dollar and a dream. This album is inspiring on so many levels; at this phase in Jay-Z's life he doesn't need to make such high caliber music, but he enjoys doing so and it reflects in the finished product.
This album ranks very highly in his discography, it is a tremendous production with heartfelt lyrics on each track. There is serious depth into the mind of a hip hop genius, if you are at all inclined to this man's work..check out the album.