Jay-Z the Real "American Ganster"

With the resent release of the once retired self,acclaimed greatest MC of all time’s album; American Gangster, Jay-Z proves to us once again that he, can’t leave the game alone, the game needs him. It was not even a decade ago when Hov announced his retirement to the world stating that he was retiring from his first love, rap, in order to focus on his career as the CEO of Def Jam. However his new found career did not suffice his passion for rhyming. Jay, lyrists at best, tributes himself as being one of the rare MC’s to have the ability to go straight to the booth, minus the pen and the pad.

Jigga Man's uncanny ability to bring the street life of a “Brooklyn Hustler” gone mainstream to the international households of listeners who may or may not have an idea of what the life of a black man hustling in an urban community is, speaks volumes to the many volumes of the life and times of Shawn Carter.

With American Gangster, Hov, a retired businesses man of streets incorporates his business like tactics to the likes of Corporate America. Inspired by pal Denzel Washington’s character, Frank Lucas, Hov tapped into his inner American Gangster, thus taking us back in time with a modified version of Reasonable Doubt. With the hype around the movie, this album could not have dropped at a better time.

Not only is the album sensational, the visuals, which include the recent debut of the “Roc Boys” video is a testament to Jay-Z's phenomenal ability to tell a story. I watched the video for the first time last night and was literally mentally transported to Brooklyn in 1980’s. The concept of flashing back from a young Hov, played by his nephew, to the man Shawn Carter is today allows viewers to visualize his growth, capabilities, and achievements as an artist and a man. Shawn Carter is a lyrical assassin, who has evolved into an outstanding entertainer.

Although many of my peers are mad that he pulled the retiring stunt a few years back, just think what the rap game would look like if he had stayed true to his word. Not that there aren’t any good rappers out there now, however the ability to rap is one thing, but the ability to transform a simple catchy rhyme into an eloquent story that can relate to the masses requires more talent and recognition than just spitting nursery rhymes. That's why there is one only one Jay-Z, Hov, Jigga Man, and Shawn Carter. I'm really feeling this one, it's not only one of Jay's bext work thus far,it is also one of the best albums of the year.

All I can say is “Hova, Hova, Hova"!!!