Jay-Z - In My Lifetime, Vol. 1

In an earlier age, when the likes of Public Enemy and Gang Starr ruled the roost, Jay-Z would have garnered the same kind of serious attention and respect as, say, the Fresh Prince. But in the devalued hip-hop universe of the late 1990s--where political activism is irrelevant, and entrepreneurial mediocrities like Puff Daddy and Master P hold sway--it's tempting to hail him as a conquering hero. Tempting, but mistaken. For one thing, he lacks the pipes to be considered among the truly great MCs (Chuck D, Guru, Ice Cube, Method Man). For another, his rhymes--both structurally and in terms of subject-matter--are way too simplistic. Rather than draw any conclusions from his world, or postulate any form of action, Jay simply calls 'em like he sees 'em--a post-Biggie dialectic of thinly-veiled threats ("Friend or Foe '98", "Face Off") and dreary self-aggrandisment ("I Know What Girls Like", "City Is Mine"). Hang on, didn't this used to be known as whack? --Andrew McGuire From Amazon.co.uk

 I know it's been said before but..
besides the two puffy produced tracks, this album is extremely good. I wouldn't say classic because that's just not a word that one can use on every good album in the world, but I would definitely put this in Jay's top 3. Give it a chance October 31, 2007

 Well I donno
I've loved the song City is mine since I heard the song in the 90's...why Jay Z is big now is beyond me...could be that rap is reached its decline...because when that album came out people weren't feeling him as much as they are now...they were listening to Nas, Pac, Biggy ect ect ect...its a decent album...but you have to be a Jay Z fan to appricate it September 26, 2007

 Underrated!!!
This is Jay-z's must underreated album! Everyone was not feeling this album, but the were just not understanding the content! Besides two dumb tracks (One featuring Puff Daddy, the artist killer), the rest of the songs are pretty solid when it comes to lyrics. You have to remeber that at the time he recording, Biggie just died and that took a toll. Also, He was preparing to retire after this album and have Memphis Bleek become the star of Rocafella. Basically, this album is one of his best!!!! March 24, 2007

 A life time of work
Out of all the albums that Jay has put out this is believed to be the weakest of them all. At first I belived so myself, however; after close listening I realized that this album is one of the most intimate albums Jay has ever done till now. Tracks like "You must love Me," and others shows Jay's ability to tell stories, and show his battle within. However, some of the tracks leave me hanging. Because Jay is and Nas, Tupac, and Biggie are the few Rappers I hate to hear other people on songs with them. These could and can carry albums by themselves. This for me is the only flaw in this album. December 5, 2006

 See It For What It Is
In My Lifetime vol.1 is one of Jay z's most underrated albums and it's rightful place is next to Reasonable Doubt where it belongs. If you ask me the last few albums Jay Z gets most of his love from a nice chunk fans and critics because he is a master at creating great hooks and picking major production that will sell records. On his first two releases Reasonable Doubt and this one he is a major lyricist and this is what he doesn't get recognized for in this album. Truthfully lyrically it's between this and his first album that are the best. Now the production in My Lifetime is up and down, he has a sick intro and then the city is mine plays and it's a bit off. Though I think this is one of his least commercial albums Sunshine featuring Babyface says something totally different. The best thing about this album is that Jay actually speaks on his life and times and he does it perfectly, only thing holding it back is the few crappy beats. October 12, 2006

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