Vol.3: Life And Times Of S.Carter - Jay-Z

"Vol. 3... Life Aind Times Of S. Carter" came as the fourth album from the New York rapper Jay-z and was released in 1999. It finds the rapper, at a point where he had established himself as a main layer in the Hip Hop game, working with the likes of Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and DJ Premier to come out with work that is able carry through more of his work into mainstream attention. 1. "Hova Song" (Intro) 2. "So Ghetto" Off a heavy K-Rob-produced introduction, you see that here DJ Primo steps up and comes in hard with his distinctive Old School-styled style that gives it a rough feel that is able to progress ...  Read the complete review

I should probably preface this review by saying that I'm not particularly well-versed in rap music and culture, but that I definitely enjoy a good rap track as much as the next man and that I know what I like. On this release, the irrepressible Jay-Z has brought a bunch of foul-mouthed friends along for a selection of rap duets and collaborations, some of which work, some of which fall short of the mark. Other artists on the disc feature Juvenile, Missy Elliot, UGK and Twista. My problem with this record (and perhaps with rap music in general) is that it's essentially a pissing contest where you list your friends, your street credentials, your propensity for ...  Read the complete review