Search - Jay-Z :: Kingdom Come

4 1/2 stars for the self-proclaimed "kingpin of the ink pen"

Mikeisha Best | Mitchellville, Maryland United States | 05/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On track number six, Jay-Z calls himself the "kingpin of the ink pen." That's an incredible one-liner, but why would he say that if he doesn't write down his lyrics? Oh, the complexity of the Jigga Man. "The Black Album" was supposed to be Jay-Z's last album, but, like people who divorce because of two or three trivial problems, many celebrities do not take retiring seriously. Having said that, this album was well received by the public. It did not reach the success of, say, "The Blueprint", but it did very well considering all. I definitely enjoyed this album because of Hov's honest yet effective delivery, the experimental and creative production, the guest appearances (John Legend, Usher, Chrisette Michelle, Beyonce'), and the awesome lyrics.



"Show Me What You Got" was the first song which was released and most people loved it. Just Blaze gave the public something different to dance to and Jay-Z ripped the versus and hook. Who could forget that drum and piano arrangement? Simply put, this song is incredibly energetic and keeps its stamina all the way through. "Beach Chair" has a very haunting and eerie beat, probably to help Jay-Z to convey his points. I enjoyed the song partially, but it is not something I can listen to often for the beat brings back memories of haunted houses. The lyrics are profound, nonetheless. "30 Something" is a great mid-tempo number where Jay tells of the stupid things he did when he was young and compares them to the things he does now, and reaches the conclusion that "30 is the new 20." This beat, for the most part, consists of drums and piano. This track is one of the best on "Kingdom Come." "Anything" features Usher and the two sound great on this track with an impressive beat backing them. Jay-Z and Beyonce' collaborate for the umpteenth time on "Hollywood." (Some have complained that they do too many songs together, but I like when they collaborate because they compliment one another.) Lyrically, I love this song and enjoy it with each listen. Beyonce' does a great job with the hook, too. This song is about the good and bad of celebrity life. It really makes us average-income people think twice about being famous. "Lost One" and "I Made It" are amazing tracks. The endlessly talented Chrisette Michelle lends her talents on the chorus of "Lost One." Jay lets us have it once again with his lyrics, as well.



Jay-Z still has it, ladies and gentlemen, and he does not even have to write it down. For years to come, this album will be in and out of my CD player. After all, it is "the maturation of Jay-ZZ."



Mikeisha's Top 5



1. "The Prelude"

2. "Lost One"

3. "Anything"

4. "30 Something"

5. "Show Me What You Got"

"

I love this album.

Christopher Mainstruck | 11/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Please go out and buy this album and don't write mean reviews about this album. Make this album a classic like his other ones. Go out and buy this album instead of downloading it."