Hip-Hop icon and music mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter recently celebrated his 44th birthday. He has had one of the most successful rap careers ever. Since 1996, Jay-Z released 12 solo studio albums, which all earned platinum status. Fans often debate which Jay-Z album is the best and worst. I decided to join in the discussion and share my personal rankings of Jay-Z albums.
Reasonable Doubt was a great debut album by Jay-Z. The street tales and emotions on Reasonable Doubt fascinated me. Jay-Z’s Mafioso raps blended brilliantly with the soul and jazz samples. “Can I Live,” “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “Dead Presidents II,” “Ain’t No…,” and “Can’t Knock the Hustle” highlighted the album.
Album Rating: (5/5)
The Blueprint was a flawless masterpiece by Jay-Z. I enjoyed the unique and balanced blend of soulful samples on The Blueprint that had both street credibility and mainstream appeal. It was the best rap album of 2001. The Blueprint made Jay-Z a hip-hop icon. The best songs on The Blueprint are “Takeover,” “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Song Cry,” and “Renegade”.
Album Rating: (5/5)
Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life propelled Jay-Z into superstar status in the hip-hop genre. It was the start of Jay-Z’s dominance in the rap world. The music and collaborations were good. “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” “Can I Get A…,” “Money, Cash, Hoes,” and “Money Ain’t A Thang” were the gems on the album.
Album Rating: (5/5)
American Gangster was an exceptional concept studio album. The biographical drama crime film, American Gangster, inspired Jay-Z to make the album. I often considered American Gangster “Reasonable Doubt Part 2” because it dealt with the same subjects as his debut album. I liked the soulful samples, the lyrics, and the little collaborations. “Pray,” “American Dreamin’,” “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is…),” and “Ignorant” are my favorite tracks on American Gangster.
Album Rating: (5/5)
The Black Album celebrated Jay-Z’s life. It had a great balance of street and club songs that made the album exceptional. “What More Can I Say,” “Encore,” “Change Clothes,” “Dirt off Your Shoulder,” “Public Service Announcement (Interlude),” and “99 Problems” were the keys moments on The Black Album.
Album Rating: (5/5)
In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 was a superior album with both street and pop appeal. Jay-Z’s smooth flow and lyricism were outstanding. Jay-Z showed he could be a marquee act in the hip-hop world. In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 could have been a hip-hop classic album if Jay-Z edited out “I Know What Girls Like” and “(Always Be My) Sunshine”. Songs like “Who You Wit 2,” “Imaginary Player,” “Streets Is Watching,” “Where I’m From,” and “Face Off” made me appreciate the album.
Album Rating: (4.5/5)
The Blueprint 3 was a dope album from Jay-Z. The rhymes and delivery were definitely there. The collaborations were also decent. The music resonated well with hip-hop fans. “Empire State of Mind,” “Run This Town,” and “On to the Next One” was my beloved songs on Blueprint 3.
Album Rating: (4/5)
The Dynasty: Roc La Familia was the first album Jay-Z dropped in the new millennium. The music was energetic and upbeat. Most of the collaborations were with his label mates. I liked the futuristic hip-hop sound on the album. “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me),” “Change the Game,” “Guilty Until Proven Innocent,” and “You, Me, Him and Her” were the best tracks on the album.
Album Rating: (4/5)
Magna Carta Holy Grail was an energetic album with good music. I liked the production, the originality, and of course Jay-Z’s lyrics. Magna Carta Holy Grail proved that Jay-Z could still make great music. The songs that caught my attention were “Oceans,” “Holy Grail,” “Tom Ford,” “Part II (On the Run),” and “Beach Is Better”.
Album Rating: (4/5)
The Blueprint2: The Gift & the Curse was Jay-Z’s first double studio album. The pop sound, dark tone, and plethora of musical guests made the album interesting. However, The Blueprint2 did not live up to its predecessor, The Blueprint. There were too many tracks. “Hovi Baby,” “Excuse Me Miss,” ’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “As One,” “Blueprint²,” and “Show You How” were the keys songs.
Album Rating: (3.5/5)
Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter was an album made for the clubs. Rump-shaking beats, clever lyrics, and catchy hooks filled the music. There were lackluster tracks here and there on Vol. 3, but it was a solid effort. “Dope Man,” Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up),” “Big Pimpin’,” “So Ghetto,” and the bonus tracks.
Album Rating: (3.5/5)
Kingdom Come was Jay-Z’s first post-retirement album. The beat selection was bad, and the collaborations were okay. The album felt rushed. “Show Me What You Got,” “30 Something,” and “Lost Ones” are the memorable tracks on the album.
Album Rating: (3/5)
Overall, Jay-Z is an exceptional MC who never fails to deliver a good studio album.