Jay-Z: The Black Album (2003). "On that note, I'm leavin' after this song"

<p>B. Cox reminisces about <strong>Jay-Z</strong>&#39;s eight album <em>The Black Album</em> as it turns 20. Heading into this album, it was being touted as Jay-Z last album as he was to &#34;retire&#34; to take up the mantle of president of Def Jam Records after the album was released. The news and fallout from it lead to a acrimonious split of the three founders and owners of Roc-A-Fella Records: Jay, <strong>Damon Dash</strong> and <strong>Kareem &#34;Biggs&#34; Burke</strong>. The news of Jay-Z&#39;s impending retirement while he was still on top of his game in every aspect, raised the profile of this album to another level. </p><p>Teaming up with an all-star cast of producers, it was an epic album to say goodbye: mainstays <strong>Just Blaze, Kanye West, the Neptunes</strong>, <strong>Timbaland</strong> were on board to produce songs along with newcomers <strong>9th Wonder</strong> and <strong>the Buchanans </strong>along with industry veterans <strong>DJ Quik</strong> and <strong>Rick Rubin</strong>. Focusing on his last album, Jay-Z toed the line of lyrically exclaiming his career in review as proud veteran while simultaneously giving us his trademark varied flow and style to show he could still make a hit and be hungry. Noted in the album is a more mature and at peace vibe from Jay-Z as he celebrated and reflected. </p><p>The album was boosted by three singles: &#34;Change Clothes&#34; feat. Pharrell Williams, &#34;Dirt Off Your Shoulder&#34; and &#34;99 Problems&#34;. The anticipation and acclaimed pushed the album to triple platinum certification. It is noted along with 1996&#39;s <em>Reasonable Doubt </em>and 2001&#39;s <em>The Blueprint</em> with being Jay-Z&#39;s classic albums. The album was also supported by a documentary feature film Fade To Black, which chronicled Jay-Z&#39;s &#34;farewell&#34; concert at Madison Square Garden in 2004. </p><p><strong><u>Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Online</u></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.vaultclassicpod.com/" rel="nofollow">www.vaultclassicpod.com<