As the years go on, it becomes increasingly more obvious that Jay-Z’s time in music has ended. The 24 time grammy award winning rapper has had one of the most legendary careers ever, becoming a billionaire, founding one of the most successful record labels of all time and even being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
After over six years, I think its important to look back at his final and most open album, 4:44.
In 2017 Jay was not very well liked in the media. Following a cheating scandal made public through Beyonce’s Lemonade, it was clear Jay had a lot to talk about.
In previous Jay albums he’s never been one to be entirely open, with most of his most notable songs, such as 99 problems, Big Pimpin’ and Run This Town, featuring him bragging about his wealth and life. But 4:44 features an older and wiser Jay-Z, who understands the importance of correcting his past mistakes.
He lets everyone know with the revealing and impressive intro track, “Kill Jay-Z”. The opening lines to the entire album being, “Kill Jay-Z. They’ll never love you, you’ll never be enough, let’s just keep it real Jay-Z.” But this song features Jay at some of his best lyrically with lines such as, “…in the future other men are playing football with your son.”
Obviously meaning he could lose his wife and kids, but also having the double entendre of the rapper Future losing his kids to NFL star Russell Wilson.
Jay continues touching on heavy topics. “The Story of OJ” touches on everything to the ideology of a post racial America not being possible, to teaching the youth the importance of investing.
“Smile” shows Jay-Z reminiscing on his childhood, with the hook repeating, “Bad times turned to good memories.” “Caught their Eyes,” has Jay revealing how he talked to Prince before he passed, and the wisdom he gave to him.
But the biggest talking point of the album is the title track, “4:44.” This is Jay’s apologizes to Beyonce and he doesn’t hold back, taking full responsibility and understanding its up to her to decide what she does and he will deal with the consequences. The opening lines say, “I apologize, often womanize. Took from my child to be born, see through a woman’s eyes.”
The album’s features incredible production from No ID who samples “Late Nights & Heartbreaks” by Hannah Williams & The Affirmations.
From here on out, Jay is teaching important lessons and sharing his opinion on modern rap. “Family Feud” features Beyonce on the melodies as Jay talks about modern rap feuds, and “Bam,” features son of the late Bob Marley, Damien Marley.
“Moonlight,” features sampling from the legendary Lauryn Hill and discusses how stale the modern rap genre is. “Marcy Me” sees Jay reminiscing on his days as a hustler in Marcys Houses while paying homage to Marvin Gaye. The finale track “Legacy,” features an opening from Jay’s daughter Blue Ivy. with Jay discussing the legacy of the Carter family name.
Overall, while not Jay’s best work, I feel that this is Jay’s perfect retirement album. While projects like “The Black Album” and “The Blueprint” may be better in my opinion, I feel that this album is the perfect grand finale for Jay-Z.
