10 Hip-Hop Albums Every New Fan Should Listen To
7. The Black Album - Jay-Z
The Album: The Black Album was released in 2003 after Jay-Z was an established figure in the industry and after he had lost some of the anger and street cred that had powered him to fame. Instead of angry, cocky, young drug-dealer Jay-Z which audiences were used to the Jay-Z on the Black Album was different.
This version of Jay-Z was the boss, a cool confident MC that was in complete control. And even though his millions of dollars had separated him from the streets Jay-Z still brought the swagger and toughness on tracks like Dirt Off Your Shoulder and 99 Problems.
Standout Track: 99 Problems (Honorable Mentions: Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Change Clothes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPsCH0N378I
If You Dig This, Check Out: The Blueprint-Jay-Z. A younger, more authentic Jay-Z's masterpiece.