All Jay-Z Songs Ranked (100-1)
Save Dynasty since that's basically a comp [2] |
| 100 |  | Jay-Z
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
Things That U Do: Mariah absolutely kills it on this, but I’ve never been able to tell if the beat is awesome or amateurishly charming to the point that it’s awesome. Either way, we be pan fluting up the block. Favorite line: Married to the streets, no date of annulment |
| 99 |  | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Nickel and Dime: Part of this list was inspired by another list like this which put this song of all things right at the bottom which has me really scratching my head since it generally defies a lot of the pitfalls a lot of people find in Magna Carta. Oh well, I like it. Favorite line: Sometimes I feel survivor's guilt / I gave some money to this guy, he got high as hell / Now I'm part of the problem far as I could tell / Did I do it for him or do it for myself |
| 98 |  | Jay-Z
Kingdom Come
Lost One: This is one of Kingdom Come’s more reflective tracks and is better off for it, showing a side of Hov that hadn’t really been explored yet and arguably got explored too soon since everybody hated this album lmao. Favorite line: When you could look in the mirror like, "There I am" and still not see what you've become I know I'm guilty of it too, but not like them |
| 97 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Heaven: That’s me in the corner |
| 96 |  | Jay-Z
The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Hovi Baby: Blaze is my hero for this one, god I love the drums on this track so much and how they shuffle the beat around. Favorite line: "The Dynasty," no not Ming but Shawn's |
| 95 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
Jigga My N***a: WHATS MY MOTHAFUCKIN NAME, AND WHO IM ROLLIN WITH Favorite line: Now I'm Titanic, Iceberg's the name |
| 94 |  | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Cashmere Thoughts: “Cashmere Thoughts” is pretty emblematic of the vibe of Reasonable Doubt’s back half, and maintains consistency from “Coming of Age” with a more guitar centric beat. Favorite line: Like a hymen, when I’m rhymin’, with remarkable timing |
| 93 |  | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Sweet: Always thought this was a bit unremarkable but it’s grown on me since throwing this list together, digging into the lyrics helped since they’re more interesting than the music on it. Favorite line: I can walk down the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles / And be so satisfied when I look myself in the eyes |
| 92 |  | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Threat: “Threat” is cool, albeit the first just solid song on Black Album after his strongest opening stretch since Reasonable Doubt. Favorite line: Or you Bill O’Riley, you rilin’ me up |
| 91 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Crown: Magna Carta was really divisive in part because of how thoroughly Hov integrated himself into trap production and aesthetics, and this is definitely one of the songs that wears it the most, but Hov has a good ear for it and Travis Scott helps him feel even more at home. Favorite lyric: Bulletproof glass, glass roof like the Pope |
| 90 |  | Jay-Z
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life
It’s Alright: The baller as hell Talking Heads sample is enough to offset Memphis Bleek lfg. Favorite line: Rocks that’re the size of craters, can’t be touched like hot potatoes, ya heard? |
| 89 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Bring It On: Generally I’ve tried to make the favorite lyric selection one of Jay’s and not a feature, which is not difficult since Jay outclasses pretty much everybody, but this is gonna be the one exception with “whatever n***a Fahrvegnugen” |
| 88 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life
N***a What, N***a Who (Originator 99): If I was ranking this just purely off of beats this would arguably be the highest off Hard Knock Life, and if I was ranking purely off of hooks it would be towards the bottom. Sick song otherwise though, Jaz kills his feature. Favorite line: Rap n****z on Prozac get the bozack |
| 87 |  | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Face Off: This really feels like it could have come off the follow up. The beat is so dope, and the swells of horns are just the right pinch of spice to break up the blockiness of it. Makes this song about hoes feel more deliberate than it probably should be. Favorite line: Sauce motherfuckin’ |
| 86 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
NYMP: The distorted guitar along the rigid piano definitely helps set the harder street friendly backdrop for this song well, and that pad held out hangs so eerily. Favorite line: Ghost-like, hear the cries from the tortured souls. |
| 85 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Part II (On the Run): While the Hov/Bey songs have not fared too well in this list thus far, this one is pretty good for what it is, although it’s a better Bey song than it is a Hov song if that makes any sense. Favorite lyric: Matching tats, this ink don’t come off / even if rings come off |
| 84 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Public Service Announcement: My Name Is HOV |
| 83 |  | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love): Controversially this is my least favorite Blueprint track but honestly I feel like anything off Blueprint would be thought of as a weird pick since it maintains such a solid level of consistency throughout. This song is still amazing but this type of sampling is somewhat of a pet peeve of mine. That said this is the best song I can think of that directly pulls its hook from another song. Favorite lyric: Sensitive thugs, y’all all need hugs |
| 82 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is): Kinda like “Heart of the City” this one I think is more beloved by the Hov community than I myself dig it but the beat is pretty aligned with classic Hov so I get it, plus it does slap majorly. Favorite line: Bullet wounds will stop your buffoonery |
| 81 |  | Jay-Z
4:44
Family Feud: The highest Bey collab is still kinda distant down the list of 4:44 tracks, but I understand they needed to do a song together for the project as like a sign of solidity or whatever. Favorite line: Old n****s never accepted me / New n****s is the reason I stopped drinkin' Dos Equis |
| 80 |  | Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3
What We Talkin’ About: The Blueprint 3 is an impeccably produced album that takes Hov into the future while also seeing him fumble his bars pretty heavily, and the opener is an amazing track from a sound design perspective but a kind of lackluster song from a Hov himself perspective. Favorite lyric: I don’t have a beard, Santa Claus ain’t black |
| 79 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Tom Ford: CLAP FOR A N***A WITH HIS RAPPING ASS |
| 78 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life
Can I Get A…: Amil’s voice is pretty annoying to me if I’m gonna be honest but this mallet centric beat is absolute heat and it’s one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard in my life. Favorite line: If I wasn’t an 8 figure n***a by the name of Jigga |
| 77 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Hola Hovito: Gonna be honest there were tons of favorite lyric options I could do a top 10 just from this song alone. Favorite line: Y'all motherfuckers better run to the post office and get a job, motherfuckers / Or starve, motherfuckers / 'Cause Jay's been the only one eatin' thus far, subpar motherfuckers |
| 76 | | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Friend or Foe ‘98: Gets the lead over the original by virtue of having one of my favorite Hov beats ever. Favorite line: His thoughts is racing like a Vulcan |
| 75 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life
Paper Chase: Really refreshing change in timbres within the context of Hard Knock Life as it comes off the blocky (in a good way) “Can I Get A…” with elegant piano flourishes, guitar echoes, and a killer bassline. Favorite line: And I got that snub nose for those that love to box |
| 74 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Success: Once I realized I was able to pair these two up I could not toss it up lmao. It’s surreal hearing Nas on a Jay-Z song. Nas with good production finally! Favorite line: LET THIS BITCH BREATHE |
| 73 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Takeover: So much better than Ether. Favorite line: Four albums in ten years n***a? I can divide, let’s say one in two. Two of them shits was due, one was ehhh the other was Illmatic. That's a one hot album every ten year average. |
| 72 | | Jay-Z
Kingdom Come
Beach Chair: Kingdom Come fumbles a lot of it’s collabs yet somehow Coldplay is where Hov strikes gold???? Favorite line: No compass comes with this life, just eyes So to map it out, you must look inside |
| 71 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
S. Carter: This song like “Can I Get A…” rules enough to overcome my Amil bias, with a string/mallet based beat that’s hooky as hell propping them both up perfectly. Favorite line: N***a move weight like Oprah |
| 70 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Hello Brooklyn 2.0: Wayne rules, this is Wayne right around his peak, this is a slam dunk. Favorite line: When I left you for Virginia, it didn't offend you 'Cause you know I only stepped out to get dinner |
| 69 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
Dope Man: Those strings mmmmmmm pairs so perfectly with those tubular bells too. Puts you right on the court steps with Hov. Favorite lyric: Audio crack |
| 68 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life
If I Should Die: Once Hard Knock Life gets going it’s smooth sailing for a while, and “If I Should Die” ushers us in well to the general production aesthetics of the album. Favorite line: In the middle of the trial I flip pies |
| 67 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3
Already Home: I’m a casual for Kid Cudi but this song is fantastic and of all the guest appearances on Blueprint 3 blurs the line most effectively between Hov’s sound and his guest’s. Favorite line: What the fuck are they Lauryn, they killing me softly |
| 66 | | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Real N****z: Definitely a refreshing song where it is context after “we don’t love these hooooes”, as Hov reckons with the audience about the trials he’s undergone and will continue on his road to the top. I have to give Too $hort the best bar here. Favorite line: You can treat us like convicts, you know we got records, on the shelf and on the charts the double decker |
| 65 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life
A Week Ago: Didn’t realize until throwing this together how often Hov throws this least consequential and most serious songs right back to back but this is a prime example of that as he delves into how incarceration changes relationships after “Money, Cash, Hoes”. Favorite line: I’m mad at myself cause I didn’t spot the weakling, I would’ve bet the house you wouldn’t speak a thing |
| 64 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Fallin’: “Fallin’” is a pretty solid closer, I think the beat is stronger than Hov is on it which sets it in the lower tier on American Gangster, but only because American Gangster is one of Hov’s most immediately hooky albums. Favorite line: And lawyers screams appeal, only thinking about a bill / And your chances are nil |
| 63 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3
A Star Is Born: This is pretty endearing and even though I do not like J Cole at all it’s kinda charming listening to him all wide eyed in this song about the legitimate greats. Favorite line: Got so many different monikers, but only one Jay |
| 62 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Girls, Girls, Girls (Pts. 1 & 2): Definitely a few bars in here that haven’t aged well but jesus christ is this not one of the most immaculately produced songs I’ve ever heard. The hidden track version gets the slight edge but they’re both about the same level of disarmingly stunning. Favorite line: An appetite for destruction but I scrape the plate |
| 61 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Feelin’ It: “Dead Presidents II” chills things down very nicely in the pacing of Reasonable Doubt and “Feelin’ It” is the perfect follow up, introducing the first sung chorus since “Hustle” and a similarly piano centric beat. Favorite line: The tension’s too thick for my sober mind to cut through |
| 60 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Excuse Me Miss: You can’t roll a blunt to this one, you gotta, you gotta well you gotta light a J, you gotta puff a J on this one |
| 59 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Can I Live: I have Reasonable Doubt 5’d, it all slaps, but it’s kinda funny that he wedged this amazing more mature slower track between the album’s lowest points. Favorite line: Happy to be escaping poverty, however brief |
| 58 | | Jay-Z
Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
COME AND GET MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE |
| 57 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
FUTW: After Magna Carta devolves into “fire but dumb banger” territory for a bit, “Oceans” and “FUTW” give the album some firmer footing again, with this being the better of the two. Favorite lyric: High Yellow sky dweller and the rose gold |
| 56 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Renegade: More of an Eminem showcase than anything else but it’s Eminem at his peak so it works out and the two of them have a surprisingly strong chemistry with each other. Marshall provides the beat as well which makes this song and “Moment of Clarity” feel a bit surreal as someone who grew up on The Eminem Show but only just got into Hov. Favorite line: How you rate music that thugs with nothin' relate to it? / I help them see they way through it, not you |
| 55 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Moment of Clarity: I like both the Marshall produced songs about the same but this one is just Hova so it’s better. Its lyrics are also better. Favorite line: Pop died, didn't cry, didn't know him that well / Between him doing heroin and me doing crack sales |
| 54 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Ignorant Shit: The production on this track is so sick, the synths are gloriously bright and provide that news report Sirius esque ambience that’s 2007 as fuck. Favorite line: Watchin’ Erik Estrada, baggin’ up at the Ramada |
| 53 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Poppin’ Tags: When Hov paired Blueprint 2 down to a single disc compilation in Blueprint 2.1, this was the most baffling omission from it what the hell Hov how you gonna do Big Boi like that. Favorite line: “So Fresh So Clean” like Kast |
| 52 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
American Dreamin’: Personal Jesus / I’m in Depeche Mode |
| 51 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
My First Song: A glorious victory lap, you can almost envision Hov circling the track before wandering off to go golfing. Favorite line: I might even have me a cappucino, fuck it |
| 50 | | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Where I’m From: The moodiest beat serves as a good contrast to the poppiest material here and helps match the griminess of the Marcy projects the song is portraying. Favorite line: I’m from where they ball and breed rhyme stars |
| 49 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Meet the Parents: When Blueprint 2 hits its ceiling, it hits it through otherworldly produced songs that feel like you’re launching off into space, this time through a haunting backdrop that compliments the dark storytelling. Favorite line: You know what they say about he who hesitates in war / He who hesitates is lost |
| 48 | | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
You Must Love Me: The last two songs on In My Lifetime really up the depth and personal touch with this serving as a direct message to his Mother and an apology for everything he’s done. Paired with “When I’m From”, they double up to bring the record to an emotional close. Favorite lyric: Sat on the cold court bench until I was arraigned in your skirt |
| 47 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Say Hello: It’s really hitting me throwing this together how unbelievably stacked American Gangster is goddamn Hov is unrivaled. Favorite line: Y'all ain't give me forty acres and a mule / So I got my Glock 40, now I'm cool |
| 46 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
What More Can I Say?: Hov’s very good at one two punches and this builds off the orchestral template set by “December 4th” with a glorious bangery style track that repurposes the orchestral aesthetics in a new package. Favorite line: They don’t paint pictures / They just trace me |
| 45 | | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Lucky Me: A full and complete indulgence in the poppier flavors introduced in “The City Is Mine” that highlights Hov’s impeccable ear for beats. Those chimes mmm. Favorite line: Hate the way you make this hate flow through all of us |
| 44 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
I Know: Top 5 catchiest Hov songs for sure. Just absolutely infectious. Favorite line: Bonita Applebum, I gotta put you on / If I didn't when we cutting, the feeling'll be too strong |
| 43 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
Holy Grail: Justin’s feature on this is probably my favorite feature on any Hov song that isn’t a rapper. Otherwise the song is a killer display of the trap aesthetics on the album that pissed so many people off. Favorite line: Vanilla wafers in a villa |
| 42 | | Jay-Z
Kingdom Come
Kingdom Come: When this album is on point it’s absolutely on fire and like all of this album’s highlights is bolstered by incredible production. Favorite line: I hear "hurry up Hov'" when I'm out in the public 'Cause n****s like: "but you love it; you be it, you're of it You breathe it, we need it” |
| 41 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Izzo (H.O.V.A.): I love listening to ye production without having to listen to ye rap. Fuck ye. Favorite line: I beat the charges like Rocky |
| 40 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3
Off That: Look I know Drake is here but Drake absolutely stomps his feature and also this song would own without Drake here anyway. Favorite lyric: I'm so tomorrow the Audemar says yesterday / Which means you on time delay |
| 39 | | Jay-Z
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
The City Is Mine: This is a huge shift away from Reasonable Doubt right off the bat with a much more poppy presentation and vocal hook, and it’s one Hov slides into like a glove perfectly that particularly supports the emotional pull of it as a Biggie tribute. Favorite line: From now until they blow holes in my frame |
| 38 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Party Life: I know I mentioned not being super into this sampling style before but this song is a pretty amazing usage of it and is exactly the mellow cooldown American Gangster needs in the back half. Favorite lyric: I might let it ride out for like seven minutes |
| 37 | | Jay-Z
4:44
Smile: The beat on this song is the most a Hova song makes me feel like I’m walking around in the summertime on acid, which is very much an advantage. Favorite line: Had to hide in the closet, so she medicate / Society shame and the pain was too much to take / Cried tears of joy when you fell in love / Don't matter to me if it's a him or her |
| 36 | | Jay-Z
Magna Carta... Holy Grail
JAY Z BLUE: A DAAAAUGHTER WHO CARES AS MUCH ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL DRESSES I GIVE HER AS SHE CARES ABOUT ME |
| 35 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
December 4th: A disarmingly stunning lush display of how magnificently integrated the orchestration is into The Black Album. Would probably be higher if he didn’t return but I’m glad he did because his post hiatus run was amazing. Favorite lyric: So you ain't gotta feel no way about Jay, so long / But at least let me tell you why I'm this way |
| 34 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
No Hook: AND I DON'T NEED NO HOOK FOR THIS SHIT |
| 33 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Jigga That N***a: The Blueprint is one of the best produced albums I’ve ever heard and all you’d have to do is jam this to hear why. From the opening piano flourish to the sitar and flute combo, he establishes pretty firmly here that his budget has upped and the semi clunkiness of the Vol series is gone. Favorite line: The crib got killer views and square feet / You have to film MTV Cribs for a week |
| 32 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Politics as Usual: Upping the momentum from the chilled out “Can’t Knock the Hustle”, “Politics as Usual” maintains one of the greatest opening runs in history with an even better beat than “Hustle” leaning into the funk influence, while Jay once again just sounds unbearably cool. Favorite line: You ain’t seen money in your life / when it comes to this cheese y’all like three blind mice |
| 31 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Blueprint: Despite the two hidden tracks that follow the title track, it really does feel like a proper closer where the album is slowly riding off into the sunset. Favorite line: Reasonable Doubt, classic, shoulda went triple |
| 30 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Dead Presidents II: The best of the three “Dead Presidents” (the other two are non LP tracks and don’t appear here), largely because of Jay’s flow. Dude really took a hot line and turned it into a hot song, sorry Nas. Favorite line: Catch me in the joints, convinced my iguanas is biting |
| 29 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
All Around the World: Blueprint 2 at it’s best is about as jaw droppingly amazing as The Blueprint itself was and this song is a shining example of that with the incredible soul vocals and piano flourishes propelling Hov incredibly. One of the most vivid and colorful fusions of Hov’s influences. Favorite line: Back to the books to the rhymes that took me |
| 28 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Encore: HOVA HOVA HOVA HOVA |
| 27 | | Jay-Z
4:44
Kill Jay Z: 4:44 is a gamechanger in my late career estimations of what Hov is capable of, and Kill Jay Z is a hell of a mission statement for it to kick off with, showing a Hov unafraid of his impending moment of reckoning. Favorite line: You got a knot in your chest, imagine how a knife hurts |
| 26 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Breathe Easy: Only feels right pairing these two up together, it’s hard for a hidden track to upstage a substantial amount of material from a classic like Blueprint but Hov flows his ass off and Blaze contributes an ominous as hell beat that compliments him amazingly. Favorite line: Like a personal trainer I teach coke to stretch |
| 25 | | Jay-Z
American Gangster
Pray: American Gangster stomps its feet down with a track that lets you know HOV is BACK. Even though I like Kingdom Come, this song embodies how huge a step up in confidence American Gangster carries with itself. Favorite line: Move coke like Pepsi |
| 24 | | Jay-Z
4:44
Legacy: As of now, I’m assuming that 4:44 is probably the last Hova album and that “Legacy” is going down as his last song, which if so goddamn way to go from heartwarming to harrowing within the span of one track. Favorite line: remember, like, listenin' to Wu-Tang / And n****s like, "Your seed married his seed, married my seed" / That's how we keep Carter money all in the family |
| 23 | | Jay-Z
Kingdom Come
The Prelude: Say what you will about Kingdom Come but this has one of the greatest beats of Hov’s career. What the fuck you gonna do besides hustle? |
| 22 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
D’Evils: The beat on this one really stands out to me, that little guitar line overtop the pianos absolutely tickles my brain. It’s an eerie and ominous compliment to one of the darker and more story driven songs on the album. Favorite line: We used to fight for building blocks, now we fight for blocks with buildings that make a killing |
| 21 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
The Ruler’s Back: Such a goddamn mission statement to kick off an album with, and gloriously introduces the impeccable production of The Blueprint which is unwavering throughout the whole album’s runtime. Hov absolutely spits triumphantly and seizes the crown to place it on his head. Favorite line: You can’t sell me bullshit, we know the prices |
| 20 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
99 Problems: Duh Favorite line: Rap mags try and use my black ass so advertisers can give 'em more cash for ads Fuckers |
| 19 | | Jay-Z
Kingdom Come
Minority Report: Genuinely crazy he follows up one of his worst songs ever with one of his best, “Minority Report” is lyrically one of the heaviest tracks he’s ever penned, diving into the damage of Katrina and the lack of government support. Ne-Yo’s vocal part is absolutely haunting and taps into the desperation of the moment in a devastating way. Favorite line: And the Commander-in-Chief, just flew by Didn't stop, I know he had a couple seats Just rude Jet blue, he's not, jet flew by the spot What if he ran out of jet fuel and just dropped Huh, that woulda been somethin' to watch |
| 18 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Dirt Off Your Shoulder: Banger of all bangers that stands among Hov’s absolute catchiest material, this shit never leaves my head. Favorite line: Remove ceiling in case 52 broads come out |
| 17 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Brooklyn’s Finest: The moment the beat exploded in this song is the moment I realized I was hooked. Favorite line: Like short sleeves I bear arms |
| 16 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Change Clothes: My favorite Neptunes collab which is just an all star moment of everything that makes both parties work at their best. Favorite line: You know I stay fresh to death, a boy from the projects And I'ma take you to the top of the globe, so let's go |
| 15 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Never Change: The moment this song rolls around is the moment I leave the Earth when jamming The Blueprint, it’s gorgeous beyond words. Favorite line: We run streets like drunks run street lights |
| 14 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3
On to the Next One: This definitely should not be as high as it is in any sane world but it’s also my most listened to Hov song by a considerable margin because Swizz Beats crafted crack in audible form. Favorite line: N****s want that old shit, buy my old albums |
| 13 | | Jay-Z
4:44
Bam: Same deal as “On to the Next One”. FUCK ALL THIS PRETTY SHAWN CARTER SHIT N***A HOV!! |
| 12 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
Song Cry: The unspeakably gorgeous closing stretch of Blueprint continues to unfold out of “Never Change” with the heartbreaking “Song Cry” that doesn’t hold back from some of the realest shit I’ve heard from Hov delivered over some harp flourishes. What’s not to love? Favorite line: Shit I’ve got to live with the fact I did you wrong forever |
| 11 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Can’t Knock the Hustle: Up with the greatest album openers in any type of music, firmly establishing Hov’s refinery with smooth production, slick bars, and his killer signature flow paired with a legendary all timer chorus. Favorite line: My cup runneth / over with hundreds |
| 10 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Some How, Some Way: It’s really hard to feature on a Hov song but Beanie is probably the most consistently solid guest he pulls, and he plays an amazing balancing act with Hov on this in particular, as the beat spills out sunshine at every corner through Blaze’s glorious production. Favorite line: And, still I grew / Some how I knew that the sun'll shine through and / Touch my soul, take hold of my hand / Look man, a tree grows in Brooklyn |
| 9 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
U Don’t Know: A goddamn thunderous force of what Jay does best paired with the most explosive production I’ve ever heard him over, those horns blare with the force to topple buildings. The remix is just as amazing. Favorite line: I am a hustler baby I sell water to a whale |
| 8 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Lucifer: If Reasonable Doubt peaks in its opening run and Blueprint peaks in its closing stretch, Black Album is parabolic because its opening and closing stretches are both incredible. Lucifer kicks off the moment the back half transcends, which is admittedly less back half that’s transcendent than Blueprint but you’re not thinking of that when that glorious vocal sample hits you over the head. Favorite line: All of verse 2 |
| 7 | | Jay-Z
Reasonable Doubt
Regrets: While this list skewed much more in favor of Reasonable Doubt’s first half, it’s the closer that ends up coming out on top. That bass line alone is absolutely godly and compliments the laid back production gorgeously, as Jay smoothly spits some of his more reflective bars in a perfect thematic tie in of everything talked about on this “Scarface in 40 minutes” album experience. Favorite line: The window to his soul is half closed I put the key in |
| 6 | | Jay-Z
4:44
Caught Their Eye: Frank kills his feature and it’s maybe my favorite Frank passage on anything. Their synergy on this track is phenomenal as Hov dives into his ires with the Prince estate. Favorite line: You greedy bastards sold tickets to walk through his house / I'm surprised you ain't auction off the casket |
| 5 | | Jay-Z
The Blueprint
All I Need: Toss up between this and everything else in this stretch of the list for what my favorite beat Hov has ever used is, but this is a definite contender as it embodies nearly everything that makes The Blueprint so triumphant in a colorful array of horns, bass, and bongs. Favorite line: Mama they said I killed a man well I guess I got the dagger back |
| 4 | | Jay-Z
4:44
4:44: While Blueprint is my favorite album from Hov, I think it’s more so from a vision and overall consistency and vibe perspective. The high points on 4:44 though are earthshatteringly sick to me, and this really tears the man Shawn Carter to shreds as the vocals howl away underneath him to match. Favorite line: And because I fall short of what I say I'm all about. Your eyes leave with the soul that your body once housed |
| 3 | | Jay-Z
4:44
The Story of OJ: From the bassline, to the gorgeous piano passages, to the Strange Fruit passage, to pretty much all of Hov’s lyrics here, this is some final form shit that shows the man on another plane of creativity than ever before. This freedom is shown in his lyrics, as he finally finds the line of rapping about his wealth in a way that doesn’t piss everybody off while also questioning OJ’s blackness in the process. Favorite line: “I’m not black, I’m OJ!” “Okay” (best line in the whole discog) |
| 2 | | Jay-Z
The Black Album
Allure: This and “Lucifer” make up arguably my favorite 1+2 in the Hov discography, at least of his original run. The lush strings on this are both a warm blanket and a voice of God from the heavens as distant percussive clashes explode in the background like cannonfire. Favorite track: The game is a light bulb with eleventy-million volts / And I'm just a moth addicted to the floss |
| 1 | | Jay-Z
4:44
Marcy Me |
|
