Jay-Z’s latest effort, “American Gangster,” not only marks a return to greatness for the legendary emcee, it marks the return of quality hip-hop to the mainstream.
According to Jay-Z, “Gangster” chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional, larger-than-life crime figure loosely based on Frank Lucas, Denzel Washington’s character in the film of the same title, and on his own experiences.
The hip-hop icon was reportedly so inspired by an advanced screening of the film, he wrote and recorded this “unofficial soundtrack” in only five weeks.
Not taking into account how incredibly quickly Jay-Z was able to create such quality music, this album is a triumph by every stretch of the imagination, and while not perfect, it comes as close to perfection as the rapper/music mogul has achieved since his 2001 classic, “The Blueprint.”
Lyrically, Jay-Z is as poignant as he is confident, with lines like “Please don’t categorize this as music/Please don’t compare me to other rappers/Compare me to trappers, I’m more Frank Lucas than Ludacris,” helping to restore whatever street credibility his 2006 flop “Kingdom Come” may have cost him.
The arrangement of the track list appears to be more thought- out than the construction of any actual plot line.
However, each song has a purpose and any rearranging of the album’s track list would severely detract from the album’s meaning.
So while not as intricate as classic concept albums, like Masta Ace’s “Disposable Arts” or The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready to Die,” “Gangster” presents a decent story line, though far too easy too follow.
Although the album’s story is that of every rags-to-riches story told by countless rappers and black filmmakers, its superb execution makes up for its recycled plot.
By gathering top-notch production primarily from Diddy’s production crew, The Hitmen, “Gangster “successfully captures a ’70s vibe highlighted by the horn-laden “Roc Boys” and the blissfully grimy “No Hook.”
“Gangster” is ultimately a great album with minor flaws that do not take away from its overall brilliance.
And to think, if not for Jay-Z becoming so inspired by the film, the hip-hop community would be without its album of the year.
Review Rating: A-