Jay-Z

[johnfgillson]

Hey Tom, I know you said you really aren't that into the new Jay-Z album, but you did say that you thought some tracks were ok...what tracks were those? I think the only respectable song on the album is Lost Ones. I had big expectations for this album and I don't think it even makes it into the top 10 hip-hop albums of the year. That's really disappointing since he's never put out a truly bad album in my opinion. Anyway, the question is what tracks do you like off that album?

[Tom Scharpling]

Gilly -

I like the first five tracks for starters, from the intro to Lost One. From that point on things get a little spotty, with some generic songs, a couple truly bad ones, and one or two decent cuts.

People are so down on the album, which I dont get. Jay-Z has three great albums to his name - Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint and maybe the Black Album (which has its fair share of crud on it as well). He's always had amazing songs on every record, but don't lose sight of some of the deadwood clogging up some of those pre-Blueprint records.

I think if people think of this as the first album in the second phase of Jay's career, it makes more sense. He's never gonna be the threatening anymore - he's grown past that and admits it point blank. Think of this as the hip hop version of Sinatra's swinging 60's phase - he's paid his dues, he's stayed on top for a decade, and he's still on top. And give him credit for not pretending to be something he's not. One thing that bums me out about hip hop is how fans don't want anybody getting old and having a full-on career - if you're not new, you're somehow inferior.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Tom.

[Richard_From_CHI]

Isnt that the rule and not the exception in the entertainment sphere?

[johnfgillson]

I think it's the worst album because there aren't those two-three great songs that are the best hip-hop songs of the year. Every album he's put out (Even Blueprint 2.0) have had at least a couple great songs, but I don't think this one does. Lost One is the best but I don't know if I can call it great.

I do agree with you that most hip-hop fans are always looking for the next thing. It's very hard for anybody to have a prolonged career. I think the problem is that hip-hop speaks to the young people, and when artists grow up the new young fans don't really care and a lot of older fans have left them (or the whole genre) behind.

What other hip-hop artists are you into?

[gisrick]

I hear Jay-Z lives right down the block from WFMU in Paulas Hook.

[Tyrannosaurus Rocks]

Gilly, if you don't mind me answering, for myself, I have to say:

The Wu Tang Clan Isn't A Thing To Fuck With. God damn, I could listen to Ghost Face all day.

[johnfgillson]

I hear you on that. Ghostface is by far the best. I can listen to most Wu-Tang albums and solo projects all day. Except ODB. Only in small doses can I take some ODB.

[John Junk]

Can't forget the Liquid Swords!

"Shit's played like zodiac signs on sweatshirts
That's minimum
and feminine like sandals"

Feminine like sandals.  So good.

[TL]

I'm a little creeped out by a bunch of dudes calling themselves the "CunninLynguists."  I thought it was gonna be like the Yeastie Girls or something.

[DigiDan]

I thought Jay-Z retired.

[Andy]

I thought Sathington retired.  Isn't it Sathingtron now?

[DigiDan]

I thought Sathington retired.  Isn't it Sathingtron now?

touché

[Rainer]

Tom,

I haven't actually heard any Jay-Z albums (yes, tis true). But I love the Grey Album. What is your opinion of Danger Mouse's remixing?

[dave from knoxville]

I am way way late to this, but I have to confess that I don't get much of hip hop, although maybe that's because my exposure comes mainly from what I hear on commercial radio. I spent a lot of time a couple of summers ago with Mos Def's Black on Both Sides, which I thought was pretty great, and I like a lot of the Aesop Rock I have heard; I even have a couple of Public Enemy records, but beyond that, it's a musical style I never developed any real fondness for, mainly because I get tired of repetition too quickly, I think. At 49, all that anger just seems kind of sad and tired to me.

So what's WRONG with me?

[LostInReno]

Jay Z is the only rapper who uses big words.