Jay-Z's best effort yet (Jay Z Mtv Unplugged - Jay-Z)

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Product:	Jay Z Mtv Unplugged - Jay-Z
Date:	24/02/02 (193 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Roots are incredible, Good lyrical delivery

Disadvantages: Some bad songs

This album came out very soon after the live performance for MTV Unplugged which meant that it was not instantly snapped up on release day like many other Jay-Z albums.

The reason why I would class this as my favourite Jay-Z album is probably the inclusion of The Roots as the band. This group has represented "real hip hop" for years and this makes the album have that Roots feel to it with Jay over the top.

The album kicks off with Izzo (H.O.V.A.) - this is the best rendition of the song I have heard. The live female singer who is ever present throught the album gives the song a much more soulful feel and Jay-Z's delivery is top notch - he even changes some of the more explicit lyrics so that the song continues to flow.

The next song - the takeover - was for me, a strange choice to include on the album nevertheless it does not stand out as being bad but on the flip side you dont find yourself reaching to repeat it.

Girls, Girls, Girls - this is very similar to the Blueprint version and again fits nicely into the album with another smooth delivery.

Jigga what, Jigga who - this is the next song, and probably the worst on the album. If I had to replace one song it would be this one.

Big Pimpin - Another strange choice for an unplugged album but I am feeling this version a lot and The Roots definitely got the sound right on this one.

Heart of the city (aint no love) - This is another track which stands out as being good because of the female vocalist. Another track from the latest "Blueprint" album and seems like a worthy inclusion.

Can I get a... - This song, for me, is a great lead up to my favourite Jay-Z song (and his most famous)...

Hard Knock Life - I cant fault this song on delivery, music or anything EXCEPT it's only 1 and a half minutes long!! What is he thinking! Both musically and commerically the album would have benefitted from a longer version of thi
s song. From what is there though, this is a contender for the best track on the album.

Aint no.... - Another older Jay-Z tune but its a nice change from the tone of the song before (hard knock life).

Can't knock the hustle/family affair - Mary J.Blige makes a guest appearance here and makes a great performance of the old Jay classic. Her rendition of family affair though is poor and feels quite out of place on this album.

Song cry - The opening singing by the female vocalist on this track is incredible and demonstrates her skill completely. Jay-Z's laid back vocals fit the tune perfectly and it's a very good chill out song.

I Just wanna love you - The only song on the album taken from The Dynasty and its done much better than I was expecting. In my opinion Jay should have ended the album here because the final track (not including the not-so-good bonus track)is pretty poor.

Jigga my ***** - Dont like this along with jigga what, jigga who it seems like a bad inclusion.

This album is definitely 8/10 material and is only faulted by including some of his poorer songs. I'd recommend this album for new and old Jay-Z fans alike.

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