An unofficial musical companion to the film of the same name (dir. Ridley Scott), American Gangster traces the rise and fall of a self-made American man. Sound tired? Perhaps, but a dozen albums into his career, Jay-Z can be forgiven his occasional dabbling in shopworn archetypes. A panoramic, cinematic work in four acts, American Gangster bulges with instrumental melodrama. Take "American Dreamin'": despite the Diddy-produced track's sultry, shifty beat, a pile of whining strings and tinkling piano flourishes all but completely suppresses the rhythmic interplay between the vocals and drums. Again and again, Jay-Z's otherwise compelling raps fall prey to a similarly overwrought studio aesthetic. (In this, the album resembles many a Ridley Scott film.) There are exceptions: Bigg D's "Hello Brooklyn 2.0" and the Neptunes' "I Know" and lead single "Blue Magic" are unqualified bangers, and Jermaine Dupri's "Success" (featuring Nas) flaunts a relentless organ lick with 'round-the-way mojo to spare, but the album's overriding sonic melodrama is all Diddy. Still, no one steals Jay-Z's thunder easily. Having long since joined the top ranks of the hip-hop elite, Jay-Z can (and does) ultimately weather the best efforts of another major-league ego and still come out on top. --Jason Kirk

Separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, this collection of all-new original material is a musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the upcoming motion picture American Gangster. The conceptual, full body of genius work from the new album balances the line between pure entertainment and real life. JAY-Z draws upon past experiences, speaking to the harsh reality of the drug trade still taking place in our nation's cities. While not glorifying the Frank Lucas story, JAY-Z articulates the lure of a gangster's life and stands as an example of one who chose to leave those streets behind to go on and become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time.

Jay-Z Photos

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UK pressing of the 2007 album from the rapper-turned-business mogul. American Gangster is Jay-Z's tenth studio release. A semi-concept album inspired by Ridley Scott's film of the same name, it sees Jay-Z chronicle his time as a street hustler. It is a return to a grittier street sound than his predecessor Kingdom Come. Lyrics are nostalgically woven with tales of clandestine activities in a ruthless nineties New York . Comparisons are being made to his debut album Reasonable Doubt and with good reason. The lead single 'Blue Magic', produced by none other than Pharrell Williams, is an '80s-feeling ode taking its hook from En Vogue's 'Hold On'. Also on board for the record are esteemed producers P.Diddy and Just Blaze, and there is another stunning collaboration with Nas, aptly entitled 'Success'.

Go buy Jay-Z CD out in the stores and don't download from amazon downloads site and other pay digital downloads site.

ONE OF MY FAV ALBUMS OF ALL TIME MAYBE MY FAVORITE JAY Z CDS OFF ALL TIME

While Kingdom come was more of an abomination than an ablum to bow out from , Jay makes a remarkable comeback with American Gangster. With every title track incorporating a mix of jazz, hip-hop and R&B, Jay lies down the groundwork for being an "American Hustler". While his drug dealing days have long been over, Hova remarkably retells the tales of lies, sex, perception, and paying the ultimate price. Jay-Z comes off realistic as well as optimistic to being the "good guy" and the "bad guy".

This CD was outstanding Jay-Z really pull out all the punches when he recorded this one

Shawn Carter is back with another excellent album as usual.
Tha gangsta image goes perfectly with Jay-Z's thug style.
I ain't got nuthin' more to say but "BUY URGENTLY THIS ALBUM IF YOU'RE A TRUE JAY-Z FAN. Jay-z comes always with fresh music and great inspiration and he never disapoint his fans. Listen to this album.¨
Peace Jay-Z and thanks for your great music.