A Comparison of Libraries: Part VI - The Best Features: Features (and Overall) Conclusion

I never knew I would take it this far when I wrote my first post on Jay-Z, but after that first post it almost felt necessary. A homie read the first post and quickly asked what I saw as being the main difference/s between Jay-Z's path vs. Nas path (after all, I am an admitted Nas slappy). It was a good question; at the time I knew who I liked more, and that it wasn't close for me.  It was time my ears and I had a talk to learn the why.

Although I was substantially complete with my "work" here earlier in the week, I knew I had a few more nights in the hotel to listen to tunes, coupled with a three-hour drive on Friday to seal the deal.  I wanted to be sure.

Luckily, there weren't 30 tough decisions to fight internally over, just a couple, one of which being the most important.  #1 - 'I Love the Dough' (B.I.G., Jay-Z) vs. Verbal Intercourse (Rae, Ghost, Nas).  At first I was so sure I was going with 'Verbal Intercourse', I even printed the below table to .JPG on Wednesday, due to the reality that I sided with Nas on nearly every single song.  I continued to listen.  I even went back outside of the top 30 to see if I wasn't giving something else enough credit (there were minor discrepancies, but nothing significant). 

I focused more heavily on Jay-Z on the drive home from the Queen City yesterday.  "Am I being fair enough?"  It wasn't until I hopped off on I-540 (ah, two minutes left in the 4th quarter) that I realized I had been lying to myself.  The little voice whispered, "there is no way that you can listen to both songs and conclude that 'Verbal Intercourse' is a better track than 'I Love the Dough'.'

And there really wasn't.  To me, 'I Love the Dough' stands up to them all. Not saying it is my favorite song, but I could make an argument for it.  Definite top 10, perhaps top 5.

You see, Jay-Z's top-end tracks are:

My largest deciphering point between these two is the amount of gold (as Nas top-ends are equally filthy).  Based on their studio albums, it was probably a wash.  Illmatic and Reasonable Doubt were both equally great and yielded nearly equally great songs.  Stillmatic and The Blueprint paired well too.  In doing this second exercise, however, after combing through every appearance, the discrepancy was laughable.

It was tough for me to a fill a top 30 features for Jay-Z.  I didn't feel comfortable with the last 12-15 I posted or the next 12-50 that I didn't post bu re-listened to Thursday and Friday.  Where I ended up was the the lesser of evils.  I was only a quarter of the way through Nas' appearances when I realized I was already moving songs out of Nas' top 30 that I thought were far better tracks than the back end of Jay-Z's top 30. 

Jay-Z did not work with as many people as Nas, which in turn lead to less appearances, less sick verses outside of his studio albums, and less work with classic producers (speaking of which, 9th Wonder remixes of Jay-Z sound about 10x better than the studio production).  Again, as stated in my initial post, it's not as if Jay-Z was not a successful person.  I can't blame him for not putting in the work Nas did in this regard.  He was just putting the work in elsewhere.  Let's not kid ourselves - Hov' has a serious grind.  I suppose you could argue their beginnings were similar, but come '96-'98 there were very few similarities; their careers took too entirely different paths.  If Jay-Z had never gotten as big he damn well may had the library of features Nas did, but he saw opportunities elsewhere and capitalized in such an enormous way. 

Could he have been the best musically?  I think this whole exercise would have been a lot more difficult if he had, but I also don't want to get in the habit of "would have been, could have been" unless we are talking about the late Sean Taylor.

Although I feel so strongly that this aspect of Nas' body of work crushes Jay-Z's in one of those good ol' "not remotely close" type-questions, this too is simply a preference.  Keep in mind I am not arguing music because I feel something is right or wrong, or in hopes other will agree with me.  Music should not be an argument - the most remarkable thing about music is that it is YOUR preference.

Oh, the list.

Stay thirsty.

On a side note, I apologize about the YouTube links breaking.  For some reason, they show up fine on some computers but I noticed they don't work on others.  

A Comparison of Libraries: Part V - The Best Features: Nas Features

We're almost there, folks.  Walk with me.


10. "Mo Money, Mo Murder" with A.Z. (Prod by DR Period) - Doe or Die (1995)

So many classic A.Z. and Nas songs to choose from.  One of my favorites, 'Gimme Yours,' is outside of the top 10 due to the fact Nas did not have a verse on the track.  I love the dialogue from the mob transcript just as much as this song. 


9. "John Blaze" with Fat Joe, Big Pun, Jadakiss & Raekwon (Prod. by L.E.S.) - Don Cartagena (1998)

Nas, Big Pun, and Rae - three of my faves (Jadakiss and even an early Fat Joe are nothing to scoff at).  Esco starts it off with a filthy 16 bars, followed by yet another classic verse from Pun.  Joe might have picked the perfect beat for this conglomerate.


8. "It's Mine" with Mobb Deep (Prod. by Havoc) - Murda Muzik (1999)

This might not be the Mobb Deep & Nas collab you all expected to be in the top 10, but this speaks more to the strength of Nas' library than anything else.  I liked Mobb Deep growing up, but my appreciation for the group's earlier years has grown exponentially in the past year.  Nas works very well over the darker, more simplistic production-style that Havoc owns.


7. "We Major" with Kanye West & Really Doe (Prod. by Kanye West) - Late Registration (2005)

I'll be honest - I was disappointed in this album in a big way.  With that said, this song was in heavy rotation for me for quite a while (thank goodness for MP3s). One of Kanye's best beats and Nas rips it to shreds. 


6. "The Essence" with A.Z. (Prod. by Baby Paul) - Aziatic (2002)

Another banger from quite possibly the greatest lyrical duo of all-time.  This song has always had a way of just making me smile, feel relaxed, and look at the bright side - what I consider the perfect 'start your day' song as I'm taking my shower in the morning.  Timeless.


5. "Analyze This" with Jay-Z & Lord Tariq (Prod. by Pete Rock) - Unreleased

This track was #2 on the Jay-Z features list.  A simple equation alluded to in my Nas Albums listing:
Nas + Pete Rock Combo = Best Lyricist + Best Producer Combo, bar effing none.  Feel free to prove me wrong. 


4. "Queens Day" with Run-DMC & Prodigy - Crown Royal (2001)

A gem on an otherwise average outing from Run DMC.  The piano brings an incredible flavor to the track.  Prodigy also drops another slower, highly controlled verse.  One of the few dudes that really can pause plenty during a verse and still bring the heat. 


3. "Live at the Barbeque" with Main Source, Akinyele & Joe Fatal (Prod. by Main Source) - Breaking Atoms (1991)

Arguably where it all began.  Many (including myself) had no idea who this 18 year old kid was at the time, but they damn sure knew afterward.  He's already calling himself Nasty Nas from the first track he graced.  Breaking Atoms is a classic hip-hop album, and a personal favorite of mine due to this filthy debut.  Welcome, Nasir. 


2. "One Plus One" with Large Professor (Prod. by Large Professor) - The LP (1996)

See, tracks such as this are what, in the end, sets Nas apart from anyone else on the planet.  We know he can go hard, but this is one of those four seasons, 24/7 songs that it really doesn't matter what the hell you are doing - it's tough not to enjoy it.  Beautiful production by Large Professor, and he does his own on the mic (sounds like Nature!).


1. "Verbal Intercourse" with Raekwon & Ghostface (Prod. by RZA) - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (1995)

I'm not sure I need to say anything.  An amazing verse (see 'Deja Vu' in Nas' initial studio list of where used previously) followed up two monsters in Raekwon and Ghostface, laced the RZA beat with lyrical thunder, this is a really tough track to beat.  Also where I got the name of the blog!


The Rest:

11. "Back to the Grill" with MC Serch, Chubb Rock & Red Hot Lover Tone (Prod. by Wolf & Epic) - Return of the Product (1992)

12. "Self Conscience" with Prodigy (Prod. by The Infinite Arkatechz) - QB's Finest (2000)

13. "Eye For an Eye" with Mobb Deep & Raekwon (Prod. by Havoc) - Infamous (1995)

14. "Firm Fiasco" with A.Z. & Foxy Brown (Prod. by Dr. Dre & Chris Taylor) - The Firm (1997)

15. "How Ya Livin'" with A.Z. (Prod. by L.E.S.) - Pieces of a Man (1998)

16. "Blood Money Part 2" with Capone-N-Noreaga & Nature (Prod. by Trackmasters) - Ride Soundtrack (1998)

17. "Da Bridge 2001" with Capone, Cormega, Marley Marl, MC Shan, Millennium Thug, Mobb Deep, Nature & Tragedy Khadafi (Prod. by Marley Marl and L.E.S.) - QB's Finest (2000)

18. "Soundtrack to the Streets" (Prod. by Kid Capri) - Soundtrack to the Streets (1998)

19. "Stay Chisel" with Large Professor (Prod. by Large Professor) - 1st Class (2002)

20. "Calm Down" with Capone-N-Noreage - Single Only (1997)

21. "Rich and Black" with Raekwon (Prod. by Sean C & LV) - Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang (2011)

22. "Executive Decisions" with A.Z., Foxy Brown & Nature (Prod. by Trackmasters & Curt Gowdy) - The Firm (1997)

23. "Fast Life" with Kool G Rap (Prod. by Buckwild) - 4,5,6 (1995)

24. "Escobar '97" (Prod. by Trackmasters) - Men in Black: The Album Soundtrack (1997)

25. "Gimme Yours" with A.Z. (Prod. by Pete Rock) - Doe or Die (1995)

26. "Why You Hate The Game" with The Game (Prod. by Just Blaze) - Doctor's Advocate (2006)

27. "Give It Up Fast" with Mobb Deep & Big Noyd (Prod. by Mobb Deep) - Hell on Earth (1996)

28. "Ghetto Dreams" with Common (Prod. by No I.D.) - The Dreamer, The Believer (2011)

29. "Firm Biz" with A.Z., Foxy Brown, Nature & Dawn Robinson (Prod. by L.E.S.) - The Firm (1997)

30. "Desperados" with Canibus, A.Z., Foxy Brown & Nature (Prod. by Trackmasters & Curt Gowdy) - The Firm (1997)

A Comparison of Libraries: Part IV - The Best Features: Jay-Z Features

The first round (artists' albums) was an even contest, with my eventual winner being based solely on preference.  I began this round operating under the assumption that, "Damn, maybe it is only a preference."

Nothin' to it but to do it.


10. "Your Only a Customer" (Prod. by Irv Gotti) - Streets is Watching Soundtrack (1998)

 

Some serious swag on a track where Gotti is using the Mary J. and LL Cool J sample.  Slower song with slower rhymes, but still I'm feeling the track this a ton.  'Streets it Watching' was a decent all around listen.


9. "I'll Be" with Foxy Brown (Prod. by Trackmasters) - Ill Na Na (1997)

I've always had a soft spot for both Foxy and Lil' Kim.  Foxy is an interesting woman, as she was heavily involved with both Jay-Z and Nas.  Jay-Z didn't even have a huge part in this song, but he still did enough for me.


8. "The Originators" with The Jaz - To Your Soul (1990)

Jaz was pretty solid back in the day.  I find it especially important to look back at Jay-Z's old stuff.  He was a monster and the speed of his delivery and control of delivery back then was sick.  Looks like a newborn baby.


7. "4 Da Fam" with Amil, Memphis Bleek & Beanie Sigel (Prod. by Ty Fyffe) - All Money is Legal (1999)

You listening to everything from an artist in order, you can tell style changes and also tell when an old style returns for a short stint.  Beanie and Bleek both serve as nice contrasts to this "new and improved" Hov.


6. "Celebration" with Memphis Bleek, Sauce Money & Wais (Prod. by Mahogany) - Streets is Watching Soundtrack (1998)

This was exactly the reason why I wanted to be thorough in this exercise.  I wouldn't be able to name this out as a great track off the top of my head.  Well, it sure as hell is just that.  Unlike the last track, Jay-Z gets it going from verse 1 and sets the tone on a terrific beat.


5. "Show & Prove" with Big Daddy Kane, Scoob Lover, Sauce Money, Shyheim & ODB (Prod. by DJ Premier) - Daddy's Home (1994)

After you get through the first annoying as shit verse, you will experience a sigh of relief and be able to move forward with your day.  Jay starts around 4:00 and gets after for a solid minute with some fierce wordplay.


4. "Time to Build" with Mic Geronimo, Ja Rule & DMX (Prod. by Irv Gotti) - The Natural (2005)

I had forgotten this song existed.  Early Jay-Z proves once again grimy.  I liked this Irv Gotti track more than 99% of his other songs.  A young DMX helps rekindle the magic and impact of his debut release of "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" in 1998.



3. "Da Graveyard" with Big L & Lord Finesse (Prod. by Buckwild) - Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995)

Big L is just so filthy - truly one of the G.O.A.T.'s and he shines here.  Although most of Jay-Z's verse slow and controlled, he speeds it up several times to a place seen in number 8 above.  Love the Buckwild D.I.T.C.-style production.


2. "Analyze This" with Nas & Lord Tariq (Prod. by Pete Rock) - Unreleased

Early in the consolidated exercise, I questioned why Pete Rock and Jay-Z never worked together prior to the upcoming release of the Kanye and Jay-Z album.  Totally forgot about this one.  I can't say Jay-Z outdid Nas on this, but both had solid verses.  Nice jazzy beat from the P.R.


1. "I Love the Dough" with Notorious B.I.G. & Angela Winbush (Prod. by Easy Mo Bee) - Life After Death (1997)

I mean, let's be honest, this is an all-time great song. This is a far superior song when compared to "Brooklyn's Finest."  I mean far (oh, what production can do for a song!). The smooth beat, hook by Ms. Wimbush, and two greats getting after it.  Being broke is childish and I'm quite grown!


The Rest:

11. "It's That Simple" with The Jaz (Prod. by Prince Paul) - To Your Soul (1990)

12. "Guess Who's Back" with Scarface & Beanie Sigel (Prod. by Kanye West) - The Fix (2002)

13. "Can I Get Open" with Original Flavor (Prod. by Ski) - Beyond Flavor (1994)

14. "Love For Free" with Rell (Prod. by Dinky Bingham) - Streets is Watching Soundtrack (1998)

15. "Pre-Game" with Sauce Money (Prod. by DJ Premier) - Middle Finger U (2000)

16. "Hawaiian Sophie" with The Jaz - A Word to the Jaz (1989)

17. "Welcome to New York City" with Cam'Ron & Juelz Santana (Prod. by Just Blaze) - Come Home With Me (2002)

18. "Foundation" with Sauce Money & Jaz-O (Prod. by Jaz-O) - Single Only (1996)

19. "Black Republican" with Nas (Prod. by L.E.S & Wyldfyer) - Hip Hop is Dead (2006)

20. "Brooklyn Go Hard" with Santogold (Prod. by Kanye West) - Notorious (2009)

21. "It's Alright" with Memphis Bleek (Prod. by Damon Dash & Mahogany) - Streets is Watching Soundtrack (1998)

22. "4 Alarm Blaze" with M.O.P. (Prod. by Laze E Laze) - First Family 4 Life (1998)

23. "Monster" with Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross & Bon Iver (Prod. by Kanye West) - My Twisted Dark Fantasy (2010)

24. "Your Love" with Christion (Prod. by AK47, Damon Dash, Dave G) - Streets is Watching Soundtrack (1998)

25. "Swagga Like Us" with T.I., Lil Wayne & Kanye West (Prod. by Kanye West) - Paper Trail (2008)

26. "Frontin'" with Pharrell (Prod. by The Neptunes) - Clones (2003)

27. "Light Up" with Drake (Prod. by 40 & Tone) - Thank Me Later (2010)

28. "Mr. Carter" with Lil Wayne (Prod. by DJ Infamous & Drew Correa) - Tha Carter III (2008)

29. "Maybach Music" with Rick Ross (Prod. by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League) - Trilla (2008)

30. "The Return Remix" with R. Kelly, Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick (Prod. by Tone) - Unfinished Business (2004)

A Comparison of Libraries: Part III - Nas vs. Jay-Z Albums Conclusion

One of my major takeaways in this exercise was that which album you cherish more between Illmatic and Reasonable Doubt is a preference, mine of which lies firmly with Illmatic both before and after this exercise.  Seven out of the top ten Jay-Z songs were from Reasonable Doubt, with another four landing in the top 30.  Six out of the top ten Nas songs were from Illmatic, with another three landing in the top 30.  Both are terrific albums and are in the elite upper echelon of hip-hop albums.  Lucky for us, there are more albums that must be judged.  

On a macro-level, my thoughts in a nutshell:

Nas Discography

• Great Albums
• Illmatic (1994)
• Stillmatic (2001) 
• Borderline Great Album
• The Lost Tapes (2002)
• Solid Album
• It Was Written (1996) 
• Mediocre Albums
• I Am... (1999)
• God's Son (2002)
• Untitled (2008) 
• Weak Albums
• Nastradamus (1999)
• Street's Disciple (2004)
• Hip Hop is Dead (2006)

Jay-Z Discography

• Great Albums
• Reasonable Doubt (1996)
• The Blueprint (2001) 
• Borderline Great Album - N/A 
• Solid Album
• In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
• The Black Album (2003)
• Mediocre Albums
• Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life (1998)
• Vol. 3...Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
• The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
• Weak Albums
• The Blueprint 2 (2002)
• Kingdom Come (2006)
• American Gangster (2007)
• The Blueprint 3 (2009) 

There isn't a whole lot separating these two in terms of album 'ratings'.  Instead of using a number scale for each album (i.e. The Black Album, 7.6/10.0) and taking an average of all scores, I chose to use the most important metric to my ears - the individual songs that build the discography.  By ranking the songs separately, I could then build a "gun to head" determination of the top 30 songs.   

And so it goes.

The above table yields ten Jay-Z and twenty Nas winners, but most notably no Jay-Z winners until #9. Again, a lot of this boiled down to my preference of Illmatic over Reasonable Doubt.  I will tell Jay-Z's staunch supporters that I was very conservative with the above table.  If there was something that after two or three listens, I still thought it a wash, I gave it Jay-Z, not Nas.  The only true tough decision that I deemed Nas the winner was #1 overall.  All other Nas wins I considered them unquestioned wins, whereas many Jay-Z wins I had a little voice in the back of my head telling me I was wrong. 

I could rank a top 100 instead of a top 30, but that would get cumbersome (trust me, 30 in a diligent manner was enough).  

The posting of the topic was delayed several days to an internal question I had for myself.  I previously stated that I think Illmatic vs. Reasonable Doubt comes down to preference - is this statement applicable to the entire discographies and not just the oft-compared albums (Illmatic vs. Reasonable Doubt, Stillmatic vs. The Blueprint)?

After deep deliberation, the studio album releases for the Jay-Z vs. Nas debate comes down to personal preference.

Will this statement hold true for songs where these two were featured?

A Comparison of Libraries: Part II - The Best Tracks: Nas Albums

The newest addition of what you've been missing.  On we go with Part II.


10. "Life is Like a Dice Game" - Pre-Illmatic (Prod. by L.E.S.)

Some might feel it unfair to use this song due to the fact it wasn't on a released album, but rest assured, I took into consideration all Hov unreleased tracks that were actually recorded with the producer (i.e. not a Jay verse just thrown on a beat years later).  This song is the cream of early 90's NYC hip-hop.  L.E.S. did some really terrific things with Nas.

9. "Halftime" - Illmatic (Prod. by Large Professor)

Large Professor as compared to Pete Rock, Premier, and Dilla is like Shaquille O'Neal to the Kareem, Wilt, and Russell.  He's elite.  Outside of the beat, Nas is so hungry here and it's evident.  To much flavor, he's major.

8. "Nas is Like" - I Am... (Prod. by DJ Premier)

I felt wrong not having this song higher, I really did.  The sample for this beat is one of my favorites.  Even on one of Nas' weaker albums, this song along with NY State of Mind Part II (both Primo tracks) helped hold 'I Am...' up from drowning.  

7. "Memory Lane" - Illmatic (Prod. by DJ Premier)

Another song that could have been higher, but at the same time couldn't have been higher. Primo and Nas together is the second best producer/emcee combination to only Pete and Nas.  The mic control exhibited here is phenomenal.

6. "One Love" - Illmatic (Prod. by Q-Tip)

Just another amazing song.  As much as I love (it truly is love) Tribe, I have always wanted to hear more Q-Tip beats laced with grimier lyricists - it just works (see Mobb Deep, "Drink Away the Pain" for another). Speaking of an underrated producer.

5. "If I Ruled the World" with Lauryn Hill - It Was Written (Prod. by Trackmasters)

Lauryn Hill is a goddess.  It Was Written was such a terrific album and has aged like a fine wine.  Nas was still the same grimy lyricist, but he used Trackmasters heavily in his second outing, resulting in a different, but still great sound.  I have seen these two perform this once and looking forward to another performance in NYC in September.

4. "It Ain't Hard to Tell" - Illmatic (Prod. by Large Professor)

I'm not sure that this would slide in my top 10 overall (I will have to prove this out at a later date), but if it didn't it would be damn close.  I love that this track does doesn't have and doesn't need a hook.  Large Pro at it again.  

3. "Life's a Bitch" feat. AZ - Illmatic (Prod. by L.E.S. & Nas)

There is a good chance this song lands in my top 10 overall hip-hop tracks, not just Nas.  Nas was outdone on this one by AZ, but I don't think anyone who has graced Earth could combated Cruz on this one.

2. "The World is Yours" - Illmatic (Prod. by Pete Rock)

It really was tough to put this song second.  My love for Pete Rock is widely known, this being one of the cream.  Pete's smooth style on the chorus is a welcomed addition to any song and Nas' flow cannot be matched.

1. "Deja Vu" - Pre-Illmatic (Prod. by Chris Winston) 

This song leaves me speechless.  Although originally recorded for Nas' second album, It Was Written, the song never made it to studio format.  To make matters worse, Chris Winston owns the only digital auto tape (DAT) despite the fact unmastered versions are widely available.  Recognize the first verse? 

The Rest:

11. "Represent" - Illmatic (Prod. by DJ Premier)

12. "Nas Will Prevail" - Pre-Illmatic (Prod. by Large Professor)

13. "NY State of Mind Part I" - Illmatic (Prod. by DJ Premier)

14. "The Genesis" - Illmatic (Prod. by Main Source)

15. "The Flyest" - Stillmatic (Prod. by L.E.S.)

16. "You're Da Man" - Stillmatic (Prod. by Large Professor)

17. "Queens Get The Money" - Untitled (Prod. by Jay Electronica)

18. "U Gotta Love It" - The Lost Tapes (Prod. by L.E.S.)

19. "Shootouts" - It Was Written (Prod. by Trackmasters)

20. "The Message" - It Was Written (Prod. by Trackmasters)

21. "2nd Childhood" - Stillmatic (Prod. by DJ Premier)

22. "Doo Rags" - The Lost Tapes (Prod. by Precision & Michelle Bell)

23. "NY State of Mind Part II" - I Am... (Prod. by DJ Premier)

24. "Nas is Coming" - It Was Written (Prod. by Dr. Dre)

25. "Street Dreams" - It Was Written (Prod. by Trackmasters)

26. "Ether" - Stillmatic (Prod. by Ron Browz)

27. "Revolutionary Warfare" - God's Son (Prod. by The Alchemist)

28. "Rewind" - Stillmatic (Prod. by Large Professor)

29. "My Way" - The Lost Tapes (Prod. by The Alchemist)

30. "Understanding" - Pre-Illmatic (Prod. by Buckwild)


Expect my thoughts and conclusion on Nas vs. Jay-Z albums this weekend.  

A Comparison of Libraries: Part I - The Best Tracks: Jay-Z Albums

As previously stated, these are independent reviews of the two in question.  I'm a firm believer in reflection, thus conclusions will come in subsequent postings.

The title says it all - on to it!

10. "The Ruler's Back" - The Blueprint (Prod. by Bink)

One of my favorite intro songs.  Tough shoes to fill sampling the 1988 hip-hop classic by Slick Rick (and produced by the late Jam Master Jay), but they didn't even change the name of the song.  Very few could get away with this, but Jay-Z is one of them.  A powerful setup to a great album.

9. "Can't Knock the Hustle" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Knobody & Hitmen)

This beat just makes me want to kick it.  As every song on this album, Jay came with strong lyrics, and that coupled with smooth production is essentially unstoppable.  I was a big Mary J. Blige fan from an early age.  I'm not sure why, but I can't deny it.  She's a legend. 

8. "Bring It On" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by DJ Premier)

The first of many collabs with one of the greats, DJ Premier.  Neither Big Jaz or Sauce Money dropped the ball, and that's really all that needed to happen here.  A bit of a darker track than most on the album, but it is welcomed if not necessary.  

7. "D'Evils" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by DJ Premier)

Interestingly enough, this song started off as #3 originally before a final scrub.  Sometimes I leave myself with more questions than answers, this song plus the many other Primo joints had me wondering, "why didn't Jay ever work with Pete Rock in the 90's?"  Luckily, Jay-Z and Kanye will be using one of Pete's tracks on the upcoming 'Watch the Throne' project.

6. "It's Like That" - Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (Prod. by Kid Capri)

Besides "Threat," this one might get the most eyebrow raises ("Who You Wit II" almost makes the top 10).  I'm a huge fan of everything about this song.  The sample from Wet Willie - 'Beggar Song' is magical, and Jay-Z lyrics leave nothing to be desired.  I love a good Kid Capri beat.

5. "Brooklyn's Finest" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Clark Kent)

Not even the best song B.I.G. and Jay-Z did together (says more for 'I Love the Dough' than it does for this one).  The back and forth nature between two legends makes this a three-minute and forty second party. 

4. "Politics as Usual" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Ski)

One thing of note that makes this album very near the top for me is the applicability to many different moods, situations, etc., "four seasons" if you will.  I can't think of a time where I wouldn't want to hear this song.  Another major question I have, with 3 of my top 5 Jay-Z songs, "what in the hell happened to Ski after Reasonable Doubt?"

3. "Threat" - The Black Album (Prod. by 9th Wonder)

This song has always left me wanting more and more of Jay-Z over 9th Wonder production.  At the time this song dropped, Jay had his niche producers and wasn't big on stepping out (tough to pass on a Just Blaze beat when weighing the bottom line).  Hov was instrumental in 9th Wonder's involvement with the Destiny's Child album dropped in 2004, but I'm still shaking my head as to why there wasn't more. 

2. "Feelin' It" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Ski)

Another of my favorites - it was tough to pick a first with these two.  Both spotlight a smooth, yet potent Jay.  Super duper swag and the jazzy, mid-90's NYC production-style makes it sound that much better.

1. "Dead Presidents II" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Ski)

Speechless.  Jay-Z just does not get better than this.  It's easy for me to argue this as one of my top 10 songs.  In reference to Nas' 'The World is Yours' line, Jay later spat "you made it a hot line, I made it a hot song."  No rebuttal.  Pure filth.

The Rest:

11. "So Ghetto" - Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter (Prod. by DJ Premier)

12. "Who You Wit II" - Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (Prod. by Ski)

13. "Can I Live" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Irv Gotti)

14. "Regrets" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Peter Panic)

15. "Takeover" - The Blueprint (Prod. by Kanye West)

16. "Friend or Foe" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by DJ Premier)

17. "Intro/A Million and One Questions/Rhyme No More" - Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (Prod. by DJ Premier)

18. "Coming of Age" - Reasonable Doubt (Prod. by Clark Kent)

19. "The City is Mine" - Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (Prod. by Teddy Riley & Chad Hugo)

20. "Imaginary Player" - Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (Prod. by Prestige of the Hitmen)

21. "Streets is Watching" - Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (Prod. by Ski)

22. "Friend or Foe '98" - Vol. 1: In My Lifetime (Prod. by DJ Premier)

23. "Izzo" - The Blueprint (Prod. by Kanye West)

24. "U Don't Know" - The Blueprint (Prod. by Just Blaze)

25. "All I Need" - The Blueprint (Prod. by Bink)

26. "Hard Knock Life" - Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (Prod. by The 45 King)

27. "Allure" - The Black Album (Prod. by The Neptunes)

28. "Reservoir Dogs" - Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (Prod. by Erick Sermon)

29. "Lucifer" - The Black Album (Prod. by Kanye West)

30. "Public Service Announcement" - The Black Album (Prod. by Just Blaze)

A Comparison of Libraries: Jay-Z vs. Nas

I began the journey of this comparison subconsciously years ago, but not until now have I truly proved it out.  It's quite easy (perhaps lazy as well) to answer an 'A vs. B' question without doing too much background work.  After all, most people know what they like and don't like and for a variety of reasons come to improper conclusions, highly attributable to a lack of due diligence.

I've always been a huge fan of "Best of" and "Top Whatever" lists (my close friends are nodding their heads in unison), and using these lists to further develop my thoughts on certain topics.  It helps me to either confirm my subconscious feelings or to open my eyes to aspects I had not considered.  

In the coming days (weeks, who knows), I will independently create the following lists:

1. The Best Tracks: Jay-Z Albums
2. The Best Tracks: Nas Albums
3. The Best Tracks: Jay-Z Features
4. The Best Tracks: Nas Features

You must keep in mind that the aforementioned lists are my lists, not someone else's.  I will be stating opinion, not fact, as even comparing songs within one artist will most likely have half of you shaking your head ("How in the hell is "Threat" in your top 5 for Jay-Z?").  My goal in doing this is not to convey lists that I feel most would agree upon.  When you read the lists you might see what you feel to be a notable omission.  I will say this once, and once only.  If it's omitted, it has been done knowingly.  I can assure you I will comb the discography of each artist in developing these lists.  I can also assure you I'm not trying to buck conventional thinking just to do so.  

If at any point during this comparison, I feel ground can be made up by considering a third significant item with which to measure, I will do so.  

One metric that Nas cannot and will not be able to touch - Beyonce. 

Part I will be posted Friday.  

Jay-Z: Success vs. Greatness

success: The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted; the gaining of fame or prosperity; the extent of such gain.

great(ness): Remarkable or outstanding in magnitude, degree, or extent; larger in size than others of the same kind; of outstanding significance or importance.



Last night I listened to 'Reasonable Doubt' from start to finish, always a treat. While Jay-Z is firmly entrenched in many minds as one of the greatest to ever do it, I wanted to assess the reasons why he just wasn't in true consideration for me - what was I missing? What stone had I left unturned? Was I just a hater?

It's an indisputable fact that Hov is the most successful hip-hop artist of all-time. When he calls it quits, his place in music history (not just hip-hop) will be talked about by music historians for years to come. While he may not have paved the way for the beginning of hip-hop, he sure took it to an unparalleled level.

How did he do it? Well, he's an extraordinary business man. By the time the dust settled on his first studio album, he had the ears of the industry. When 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1' was released in 1997, Jay-Z's production and chorus choices allowed his music to be more universal. Simply put, his music would appeal to the masses, allowing more radio and television time for his eventual takeover of the industry. Hip-hop heads across the world were left desiring more from his second album, weighing 'Vol. 1' against the beauty and magic that he brought to the table with 'Reasonable Doubt,' but still, the album went platinum and his record label was growing.

It was selling, so why change the model?

I'm not going to walk through each album, as I think Jay-Z stayed with a similar model throughout his subsequent album drops. He brought it back in a big way for me with 'The Blueprint,' but by in large, I found myself really only liking a few songs on each of his albums. All the while, with each album, he took a larger piece of the pie. He was able to tend to mainstream pop culture, but also kept, let's say, 30% of his original following. The other 70% of his original following is truly a small number when weighted against the volume of mainstream pop culture.

Using easy, rounded numbers:

1,000,000 - Jay-Z's original fan base during/after Reasonable Doubt (i.e. 1995 - 1997)

700,000 - Jay-Z's fan base lost during his move to a more pop-cultured sound

50,000,000 - Jay-Z's gained fan base during his move to a more pop-cultured sound

It's not quite as simple as the above, as Jay-Z would have gained more than the original 1,000,000, but by no means would he have ever been as successful in the music industry had he stayed in the 'Reasonable Doubt' mold - it just wouldn't be possible.

Does that make Jay-Z a sell out? I don't think so. He had his dreams and his visions of how he wanted his life to play out, and used music as a vehicle to get him to that place. Contrast this with many artists who think more along the lines of "I will go where my music takes me."

I always combat those who consider Jay-Z a "top 5," but music is one of those things that it is tough to consider someone wrong based on their opinion. For as many that wished he would have stayed on the 'Reasonable Doubt' path, there are so many more who are happy he took it where he did. My questioning the stance of Jay-Z as one of the greats on a musical basis is due to the fact that it's quite easy to confuse overall success and greatness - for the average listener these two terms get intertwined, for me they do not. Jay-Z is great at many things, and I can certainly argue many points that suggest he fits into the definition at the top of this post, but being on the greatest lyricists of all-time is not one I can argue.

I respect everything that Jay-Z has done as an artist. As someone with a very strong drive I cannot fault any decisions he has made along the way, doing so and I'd be just as much a hater as anyone else. However, I am just always left with a, for lack of a better term, "dot dot dot" (yes, Christie and I watch the Bachelorette).

What could it have been had he stayed on the musical grind?

In the end, I cannot judge based on potential, I can only judge based on a body of work. Musically, Jay-Z's body of work just doesn't cut it for me when weighed against the other greats in the game.

So who do I consider the greatest of all-time? Stay tuned.