Jay-Z - Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life

4^1/2 Mics

Production: DJ Premier(1), Mark The 45 King(1), Swizz Beatz(3), Stevie J.(1), Timbaland(2), J-Runnah(1), Irv Gotti(1), Lil' Rob(1), Erick Sermon(1), Kid Capri(1), Damon Dash(1), Mahogany(1), Jermaine Dupri(1)

Featured Artists: Memphis Bleek(3), Da Ranjahz(1), Big Jaz(1), DMX(1), Too $hort(1), Amil(1), Ja Rule(1), Foxy Brown(1), Da Lox(1), Beanie Siegel(1), Sauce Money(1), Kid Capri(1), Jermaine Dupri

Jay-Z returns with his third album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life coming after two great albums Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime Vol. 1. Jay-Z has branded a new style of filling his album with other artists.

Jay-Z has brought out a near classic that really didn't seem that way when I first listened to it just like In My Lifetime Vol. 1. The albums starts off with "Intro - Hand It Down" by Memphis Bleek. Bleek is really blowing up and it helps with production from that DJ named Premier. The songs produced by Swizz Beatz "If I Should Die" with Da Ranjahz, "Money, Cash, Hoes" with DMX and "Coming Of Age(Da Sequel)" with Memphis Bleek are all well produced songs. Jay-Z also helped by DJ Mark The 45 King on a classic song "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" really shows us his skills with an awesome hook. "It's Alright" with Memphis Bleek and "It's Like That" with Kid Capri are both great lyrically and beat wise. Jay-Z explains how money isn't important with Jermaine Dupri on "Money Ain't A Thang". Overall Jay-Z brings out another great album that shouldn't be slept on.

Top 3 Songs:

1. Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)

2. It's Like That w/Kid Capri

3. Money, Cash, Hoes w/DMX