Review Summary: "In My Lifetime" I havent heard many better Jay-Z albums.
Critical Responses:
Allmusic: 4.5/5
Chicago Tribune: 3/4
Robert Christagu: 2 Stars
Entertainment Weekly: B+
Rolling Stone: 3.5/5
The Source: 4/5
Spin: 5/10
USA Today: 3/4
With this album coming not long after a top 10 all time hip hop album, it would be obvious that it would be considered a disappointment in comparison. This album garnered mostly positive critical reception, but some criticized it for it's more commercial route. Now for the track by track review.
1. A Million And One Questions/Rhyme No More: A classic song, and an excellent beginning to the album, with excellent production provided by DJ Premier. One of the best Jay-Z has ever done. This song has been sampled in the song, "A Million And One Questions" by Royce Da 5'9. 5/5
2. The City Is Mine: An amazing track. I don't know why this track is considered one of his worst, Blackstreet does an excellent job. 4/5
3. I Know What Girls Like: The worst Jay-Z track ever. With a bad Lil Kim verse, and a horrible (as expected) P Diddy verse. Avoid this. 1/5
4. Imaginary Player: A classic song. 5/5
5. Streets Is Watching: A classic song, and one of the best that Jay-Z has ever done. This song has been sampled in the songs, "Crime Story" by DMX, "Pimp Slapp'd" by Snoop Dogg, "Be A Gentleman" by 50 Cent, and "Scream On Em" by The Game. 5/5
6. Friend Or Foe 98: A classic song, and one of the best songs that Jay-Z has ever done, with excellent production from DJ Premier. 5/5
7. Lucky Me: A classic song, that has an unknown female singer, who does an excellent job on the chorus. This song has been sampled in the song, "Mr Carter" by Lil Wayne. 5/5
8. (Always Be My) Sunshine: A great song, that catches a lot of hate for some reason. This song features a good verse from Foxy Brown, and an excellent chorus from Babyface. This song samples the songs, "Rockin It" by The Fearless Four, and "Cha Cha Cha" by MC Lyte. 4/5
9. Who You Wit II: A classic song. 5/5
10. Face Off: This song is a great song, that features Sauce Money, who does a good job. 4/5
11. Real N*****: A classic song, featuring Too $hort, who does an excellent job. 5/5
12. Rap Game/Crack Game: A classic song that compares the rap game to selling drugs. This song samples the songs, "Represent" by Nas, and "Myintrotoletuknow" by Outkast. 5/5
13. Where I'm From: A classic song. This song samples the song, "Me And My B****" by Notorious B.I.G. 5/5
14. You Must Love Me: A classic song that has Jay looking at the bad stuff that he has done in the past, such as killing his friend, and running away as if it wasn't his friend. An excellent closing to a near perfect album. 5/5
Pros:
Lyricism
Production
Guest Appearances
Cons:
1 Awful Track
Overall, I give this album, 4.5/5, 9/10, 89/100, and my grade for it is "A-." This album is underrated, and is one of the best that Jay-Z has done.
3 Best Songs:
1. Streets Is Watching
2. Friend or Foe 98
3. A Million and One Questions/Rhyme No More
3 Weakest Songs:
1. I Know What Girls Like
2. (Always Be My) Sunshine
3. The City Is Mine
