For this project, music icons and pop culture visionaries JAY-Z and Kanye West have joined their extraordinary talents to form the group `THE THRONE' and confirm the most anticipated album and touring event of the year, WATCH THE THRONE. The longtime friends and music innovators inspired each other to new heights with their collaboration on WATCH THE THRONE recorded in person at various locations around the world. Over a year in the making and a truly global affair, the duo recorded in London and Bath in the UK, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Paris, and New York City. Though shrouded in secrecy, the album has already been heralded a `masterpiece' by those who have heard it, and features production from The RZA, The Neptunes and Kanye's longtime collaborator Mike Dean. The short list of featured vocals includes Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Curtis Mayfield and Mr. Hudson. The lead track, "OTIS," which premiered over New York radio waves on Wednesday, July 20th night during HOT 97's FunkMaster Flex show, brilliantly weaves Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness."
The production is classic Kanye West soul, with the two MCs trading couplets over a sample manipulated the way only West can. `Sounds so soulful, don't you agree?" intones JAY-Z, and the two launch into a treatise on swagger, claiming their rightful place at the top. Since the track's release, the flood of praise for the track has been nothing short of deafening. Entertainment Weekly declares the track "the most well-executed rap song of the year
Both JAY-Z and Kanye West have each appeared as guests on the other's stage, and now they come together for never-before-seen performances not only from their collaboration, WATCH THE THRONE but also songs from their classic catalogue. Fans should stay tuned: several key dates will offer unique opportunities to become a part of the WATCH THE THRONE movement.
After eleven #1 albums, the ultimate collection from the man who re-defines music and culture. Jay -Z The Hits Collection features tops hits from each of Jay's albums including chart toppers Run This Town, Empire State Of Mind, 99 Problems, Izzo, `03 Bonnie & Clyde (feat. Beyonce), Hard Knock Life and more!
The Blueprint Music Artist : Jay-Z Music Label : Roc-a-Fella Release Date : 2001-09-11 Artistopia's Price :$10.07
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Only an artist of Jay-Z's stature could have survived the indignity of In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, his stunningly poor second LP, and remain standing as one of the premier lyricists of his generation. Like Biggie did on Life After Death, Jay-Z diversifies his style here--with the Timbaland-laced "Nigga What, Nigga Who" and the dialogue "Coming of Age" (which revisits the young hustler from Jay-Z's first LP, Reasonable Doubt)--demonstrating that even when experimenting with flow, he can still crush his peers. Though the album falters notably at the end (the lazy funk of "Paper Chase," "Reservoir Dogs," and "It's Like That" could be safely cut without incident), Shawn Carter has nonetheless reclaimed his mantle as rap's leading don. --Jon Caramanica
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.
MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups is one of the biggest musical events in years, premiering on MTV with a show featuring the multi-platinum Linkin Park, the biggest contemporary rock band in the world, joining forces with the multi-platinum Jay-Z, one of the biggest stars in hip-hop. Mash-Ups brings together artists from different genres to seamlessly blend their songs, creating an exciting and unique musical experience. Offered in both CD-sized Digipak and Amaray package, it features a CD with versions of existing Linkin Park and Jay-Z tracks mixed together in the studio; and a DVD featuring two versions of them performing these Mash-Up tracks for MTV.
