Brooklyn is loc'n with me (Vol.3: Life And Times Of S.Carter - Jay-Z)

Member Name: edinburgher

Product:	Vol.3: Life And Times Of S.Carter - Jay-Z
Date:	13/01/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A few standout tracks

Disadvantages: Sounds stale and derivative to all but diehard fans

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 violence and your vast, pharaonic wealth. This can work phenomenally well when supported by good production and catchy beats (to see what I mean, listen to 'Big Pimpin' on this release or a Dr Dre CD). Perhaps I'm unfairly comparing the late 90s thug version of Jay-Z to his modern incarnation as suave millionaire businessman and entrepreneur (even if he can't get the financing to get his hotel chain off the ground!)

While it does get a little tiring and the lyrics bring a whole new meaning to vulgar on certain tracks (sorry, am I meant to say 'edgy'?) - there are a few bright stars on this record that prevent it from being a total flop. I'd recommend downloading 'So Ghetto', the excellent dirty south sounds of 'Snoop Track', 'Big Pimpin' and 'Is That Yo Bitch?' The rest is hackneyed and is best avoided. The tracks mentioned feature some really strong beats, better raps than the rest of the CD and the cream of the collaborations.

If you're a huge gangsta rap fan and the world of bragging and colourful threats wins you over every time, you'll love every minute of this and can ignore the rest of the review ;-)

Summary: Jay-z fires out the last record of the millennium