Jay-Z - American Gangster (Audio CD - 2007) [Edited Version]

"American Gangster" as this album is called is a conceptual album based on the Denzel Washington film with the same name. It's about the drug dealer Frank Lucas in the early 70's. And that itself works well cause Jay-Z was one himself and his classic debut album "Reasonable Doubt" portrayed his early life before success with hip hop. Most of the songs here are supposed to make references to scenes from the film. So, in case you have seen it you probably have a better understanding. The sound is very much retro soul perhaps the sample-driven sound could pass as dated by today with all of the extra-ordinary productions we find but considering that it's supposed to be the soundtrack to something from the early 70's it's understandable. This album is much different then what most people would expect from one of the most commercially appealing rap stars, but that also why I like it and admire him for dropping it. Overall, this album isn't perfect but it's the best Jay-Z released in a long time and it's obvious he's trying to drop another album similar to Reasonable Doubt dealing with the issues he knows best.
Condition: NEW! Punched upc.

TRACK LISTING

1 Intro 2:00
2 Pray 4:24
3 American Dreamin' 4:47
4 Hello Brooklyn 2.0 / Lil Wayne 3:55
5 No Hook 3:13
6 Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)... 4:12
7 Sweet 3:26
8 I Know 3:42
9 Party Life 4:29
10 Ignorant Sh*t / Beanie Sigel 3:41
11 Say Hello 5:26
12 Success 3:30
13 Fallin' 4:06
14 Blue Magic Bonus Track 4:10
15 American Gangster Bonus Track 3:41