Jay-Z's American Gangster: Concept Album Might Disappoint Fans

A year ago, Jay-Z shocked the musical world by coming out of an early retirement to drop Kingdom Come. The album showed that while Jay still had it, he might not be the best in the game anymore. A year later, Jay-Z is back on the scene with American Gangster. The album was inspired by the film baring the same name, starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The album has been explained by Jay as being an experimental album. After a decade in the game, does Jay-Z still have it? Can he still be considered the best rapper in the game?

The first single off of American Gangster is Blue Magic featuring and produced by Pharrell Williams. The song features a distinct 1980s flow from Jay over an underwhelming Pharrell beat. The song while decent just does not live up to Jay's quality level. The song borders on the level of even being annoying. The song features Pharrell's trademark crooning which adds a little bit to the otherwise lukewarm song. Since the song does not fit with the other material on the album, it is featured as a bonus track.

The second single off the album is Roc Boys (And The Winner Is) is produced by Diddy and his production team, the reconfigured Hitmen. Jay effortlessly flows over the 70's inspired sample. The song is more in the vibe of the film American Gangster. The song features Jay spitting his trademark flow with tons of metaphors. The song features all of the ostentatious nature you expect from Jay.

Pray features that epic sound which is needed on the album. This song has all of the aspects of a big Hollywood soundtrack. The song features solid verses from Jay-Z over the beat provided by Diddy and the Hitmen. The song features mini monologues delivered by Beyonce.

On the DJ Toomp produced Say Hello, Jay flows over the 70's inspired sample. The track is one of the standout songs on the album. DJ Toomp has been very successful this year producing a majority of the hits on Kanye West's new disc Graduation, and he continues his success on this track.

On a revamped version of Ignorant Sh*t, Jay is joined by label-mate Beanie Sigel. The song features production from Just Blaze. The song was originally slated to be released on a previous Jay-Z album but did not make the cut. However the song is back with updated lyrics and a Beanie Sigel feature. The song features a very scathing final verse directed at Don Imus.

I Know captures the magic of previous Jay-Z and Pharrell collaborations. The song is one of the strongest radio singles on the album as there are very few of those on the album.

Sweet features a 1970's soul sample. The song is fairly catchy except the beat relies too much on the sample and lacks originality. Jay shines over the minimalist production from Diddy and the Hitmen.

On Hello Brooklyn 2.0 Jay is joined by southern rap star Lil Wayne. The track definitely will not appeal to everyone. The track is produced by Bigg D and features Lil Wayne in a chorus which is more annoying than memorable.

On Success Jay is joined by label mate and former rival Nas. The track is produced by No I.D. with co-production from Jermaine Dupri. The song features a classic old school beat with strong verses from both rappers but Nas would be declared the victor with having a much stronger verse.

No Hook is one of the stronger hip hop tracks on the disc. The song was produced by Diddy and his new Hitmen and features very strong lyrics from Jay. The beat is fairly catchy and features just straight verses no chorus.

American Gangster is definitely going to be a radio single. The track is one of the catchiest tracks on the album. The song is featured as a bonus track on the album and produced by Just Blaze. The beat on the album just has that hit material compared to the other songs on the album.

Fallin' is the perfect way to finish the album. The track is produced by Jermaine Dupri with co-production from No I.D. The song is solid and works well as an outro. The song talks about the fall from grace of a gangster.

For a fan looking for commercialized Jay-Z ,this album is not for you. The album is definitely a concept album. It appeals to a whole different market than a typical Jay-Z album. If you are up for something different, check out American Gangster. If you were expecting the Jay-Z of Kingdom Come or Roc La Familia, this album is a 6 out of 10. But if you are expecting more of a Reasonable Doubt Jay, this is a solid 8 out of 10. If you're a fan of Jay-Z or the film American Gangster, make sure you get the Jay-Z album American Gangster when it is in stores on November 6^th.