Records: Jay-Z's Vol. 2

By Freddy Bouchardy

You've already heard all of the best tracks from Jay-Z's new album. You know that the already-released singles "Can I Get A..." and "Money Ain't a Thing" sound good, but what about the rest of the stuff on Vol. 2?

When I heard "Hard Knock Life" for the first time, I thought Jay-Z might be offering something new and live to what has become a stagnant hip-hop world. And although this self-proclaimed "ghetto anthem" is one of the best recent songs in its genre, the album on the whole is not memorable. Jay-Z doesn't fill in the space between his singles the same way he did on his first album, Reasonable Doubt. While Reasonable Doubt boasted songs--like "D'Evils"--which were even better than the released singles, most of the tracks on Vol. 2 are lacking.

"A Week Ago," featuring Too Short, is a smooth, mellow track, and the Shaft beat in "Reservoir Dogs" sounds good even though it gets repetitive. But "Money, Cash, Hoes," featuring DMX, is by far the biggest disappointment. One would think that this pair would come up with a hard, loud, bass-filled track that hits you deep. But the hook is wack, and the song ends up sounding like some bugged out video game. What happened?

The answer is that Jay-Z is a good businessman. He maintains street credibility and player status by making smart cameos and getting dope ones in return. He threatens to quit making albums after he becomes a rap hero, causing fans to beg and pray for his return. He associates himself with the right people at the right time. And on top of all of that, his beats and lyrics sound right. The problem is, he can only get away with doing the same thing so many times before people start to catch on.

If you're a real Jay-Z fan, you may be disappointed by Vol. 2's lack of depth. Don't get me wrong: some of the tracks are hot. Jay-Z continually questions whether his women and his fans would be loyal were he to lose his ability to provide "fancy things," and "a futuristic flow." At this rate, we may find out. If Jay-Z keeps on pumping out albums filled with recycled themes and the occasional ill beat or catchy chorus, he's bound to fall off. (Def Jam)

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