Jay-Z channeled the 96’ Jay-Z to create American Gangster.  The man himself can attest to the fact that his retirement was premature. 

American Gangster is crammed with intricate detailed stories like “No Hook” with Mr. Carter backtracks his thoughts from losing his father to being compared to other rappers. 

The infamous line “I can’t leave rap alone/The game needs me,” remains true with the elaborate lyrical effort that the Mike Jordan of Hip-Hop displayed in the 15-track album.

Inspired by the film American Gangster, based on  70’s Harlem drug mogul Frank Lucas, the conceptual album is broken down into parts.

The birth of American Gangster begins with “Pray” as Jay-Z manipulates words to illustrate his life back in the 70’s as drugs started to takeover America especially New York City. 

“Roc Boys (The Winner Is)” is the highlight of celebratory when Jay-Z is at his highest in his career.  The video for “Roc Boys” premieres this week. As the curtains close on American Gangster, “Fallin” is another tale of Hov’s bad decisions of selling drugs catching up with him. 

The guest appearances on American Gangster gave cinematic touches to the record with catchy hooks like “Hello Brooklyn” featuring Lil Wayne with annoying yet addictive vocals over 808 drum kicks and a repetitive 'Hello Brooklyn' Beastie Boys vocal sample. 

The Broad Street Bully aka Beanie Sigel, joins his boss on “Ignorant Sh*&” as both spit about entertaining ignorant material like weed, women and money that they enjoy.  Hov outshines his Hip-Hop comrade Nas on “Success” as the Brooklyn veteran reclaims his throne as the illest lyricist with just a few lines, “Nig^#z said Hova was over, such dummies/even if I fail I’ll land on a much of money.” 

The metaphoric illusionist shows and proves that no matter the age or status he can still create classic material.  Tune into VH1 on Thursday Nov.9th at 9pm as Jay-Z performs all of the songs to American Gangster and breaks down the conceptual classic album.