6. Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life (1998)
I gave you prophecy on my first joint, and y'all lamed out / didnt really appreciate it, til the second one came out from the song Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) by Jay-ZIts hard to believe that Jay-Z was considering retirement as early as 1998, but he did go on record saying that
Vol. 2 was going to be his last album. His attitude changed after the massive success of
Vol. 2Hard Knock Life.
Both
Reasonable Doubt and
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 were both number 1 records and reached Platinum multiple times, but Jay-Z didnt become a radio success until the 1998 release of
Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life.
Vol. 2 featured Jay-Zs first radio smash hit, Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem). Another big single, Can I Get A---, also propelled the album to reach the mainstream audience.
Vol. 2 marked an important milestone in Jay-Zs career. It proved one could make an album that appeals to both new and hardcore fans. 01. Intro - Hand it Down (feat. Memphis Bleek)
02. Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) 03. If I Should Die (feat. Da Ranjahz) 04. Ride or Die 05. N**** What N**** Who - Originator 99 (feat. Big Jaz) 06. Money Cash Hoes (feat. DMX) 07. A Week Ago (feat. Too hort) 08. Coming of Age - Da Sequel (feat. Memphis Bleek)
09. Can I Get A--- (feat. Amil and Ja Rule) 10. Paper Chase (feat. Foxy Brown) 11. Reservoir Dogs (feat. The Lox, Beanie Siegel, & Sauce Money) 12. Its Like That (feat. Kid Capri) 13. Its Alright (feat. Memphis Bleek) 14. Money Aint a Thang (feat. Jermaine Dupri)