Amazon.co.uk Review: Best-known--and reviled, by many hardcore headz--as the man who set a rap to a tune from Annie, that notorious tale of life in the 'hood ("Hard Knock Life"), Jay-Z clearly decided some time ago that amassing the Benjamins came before keeping it real, in the greater scheme of things. Still, even his harshest critics might be somewhat placated by the re-issue of this, his first album, which sees a tougher, more worldly MC than on anything that followed it. The late Notorious B.I.G. guests on "Brooklyn's Finest"--a torrent of lazy, boastful braggadocio--while Foxy Brown, feisty as ever, lends her distinctive presence to "Ain't No Nigga". And while his sleepy, monotonal vocal style will never place him within the first rank of MCs, his eye for detail is often surprisingly acute, lending many of these vignettes a chilling verisimilitude. --Andrew McGuire
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - REASONABLE DOUBT- CLASSIC
if you though that jay z just made popcorn rap, and never really thought he was worth your time, or just thought he was an overrated commercialized rapper, listen to it, because it proves how talented he actually is, this album is a classic in every sense of the word, it has something most rap albums nowadays lack, subject matter, lyrics, beats, meaning and originality, this album is basically chronicling the ups and downs, regrets and joys of being a hustler, the beats to start off with are great, ... Read More
Rating: - jay-z's finest hour
ironically like nas, jay-z produced his best on debut. His rapping is better then on any of his later albums, 22-twos shows lyrical genius. Sadly i dont know who is responsible for most of the production (premier does a good job on d'evils), but it is in some ways the beats that make the album. BIG puts in a great performance on brooklins finest, can i live and bring it on are other killer tracks.
Rating: - The jigga man at his best
There is no denying that this album is fantastic from the first track to the last. There is not 1 bad track on it. Even if you don't like what Jay-z has turned into at the moment 'pop', if you like hip hop the chances are you will like this album. Since i bought this CD it's spent most of its time in my stereo and is up there with even nas' debut 'illmatic'.
The beats on this album are the best i had heard for a while, especially with all this commercial rubbish coming out at the moment. ... Read More
Rating: - They say he turned pop, but before that happened...
Reasonable Doubt is the only Jay-Z album i own so i cannot say judge on whether he turned pop, but this album certainly is NOT pop. It is one of the smoothest and well put together albums in rap history. Jigga sounds great with the late Biggie Smalls on Brooklyn's Finest and combines well with Mary J. on Can't Knock The Hustle. Whether he turned pop on our a$$es or not, there's no argueing this album is great.
Rating: - Reasonable Doubt - Class beyond doubt
Being a Jigga fan since '96, this is, in my opinion, the classic Jay-Z album. From all of his releases, I feel that this highlights Jay-Z's finest years, and broke barriers, at least for Mr Carter. His finest works are on here, with the likes of Mary J. Blige and The Notorious B.I.G, and although some rapper's first album's are very gritty and raw, this is smooth, crisp and well produced - an asset to Jay-Z and Roc-a-fella records. The very gangsta look portrayed in the pinstripe suits and silk ... Read More
