Everyone knows who Jay-Z is at this point. Pop culture has made him an icon and his business exploits has him chasing Oprah in terms of money, but has anyone ever really given Jay-Z a good listen? Sure, many of you suburban types may have learned more about him through his work with Linkin Park, but as good as that album was, it was very, very mediocre.

I've included a few tracks and music vids for everyone to check out, highlighting some of Hova's legacy in the game.

Vids:

Blue Magic
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wiuNd5SoU8E

Roc Boys (And the Winner Is...)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qCDJ85DJJAs

Lost Ones
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RYv12Z-8AeM

Show Me What You Got
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qopwiGItevI

99 Problems
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eFwtb-tCl7o&feature=related

Dirt Off Your Shoulder
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oADXCcejOls

H to the Izzo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qRD-67cBm8k&feature=related

Can't Knock the Hustle
http://youtube.com/watch?v=96sFW-3vGv4

La La La (Excuse Me Again)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6lBxEH_6VPU

Tracks

Renegade (f/ Eminem)
http://spliffsmc.imeem.com/music/Uds4y6K1/...minem_renegade/

Hola Hovito
http://there-up.imeem.com/music/ORIEnIKC/j...ovito_explicit/

Streets Is Talkin'
http://profile.imeem.com/hvxnV8/music/SUcE...ets_is_talking/

Discuss.

ROFLMAO.

Not today.

i think 99 problems will always be my favorite. i just like how it's played out like a story.

i've been listening to his ahhmerican gangster remix album

http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__m...3/19279022.aspx

I AM A HUGE JAY-Z FAN. He's awesome. Hands down.

My favorites are Blue Magic, Kingdom Come, Show Me What You Got, Lost Ones, 30 Something, Moment Of Clarity, 99 Problems, and Izzo HOVA! I only own like half the albums up there, though.

i think jay-z is over & done with, but i must admit that, in my opinion, his greatest record ever made is: december 4th from the black album. hot track, beautiful lyrics, touching intro from his mom...i just love the song

How is he over and done with when he's still going platinum? Then again, you did say that Lil' Wayne is a "great" rapper.

Hahah...yeah, he's still on a roll.

His integrity as a businessman is being publicly questioned right now though, lol.

^ Specifically which of his businesses? Dang he works with all these businesses.

Jay-Z to Step Down As Def Jam President

Joe Budden's Issue With Jay-Z

Jay-Z Only Knows Hot to Do Good for Jay-Z

I don't remember saying that Lil Wayne was a great rapper, I've always stressed that his delivery is the best in the industry right now. No one can take that away, can you disprove that? I'm not saying that he's good, I'm saying that what he says speaks to a large group of people...that's all.

I honestly believe that Jay-Z is re-making the same hits again and again and again. His last few albums, with the exception of American Gangster, had the same packaging, technique, and appeal. There is little or no difference from Blueprint to The Black Album to Kingdom Come. They're all the same. Jay-Z is losing his orignality - but that's what I expect from all rappers. There are only so many ways that you can say the same thing. That's all I meant.

Damn girl, that font is killin' me.

Gillie Da Kid, Weezy's former ghostwriter...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y3K_fXqurGo

Its funny how Wayne sounds just like him. And he uses Clipse adlibs with some Jay-Z swagger.

You said this in a previous thread...

Back to Hova, he doesn't have to release something groundbreaking for it to be hot. He's been telling the same story since Reasonable Doubt, and his tracks are still certified fire. How can anyone argue with that. 38 years old in the rap game and still relevant. Wow.

Ah, Def Jam, I see. Well at least there wasn't brutality involved in that situation.

And to SoEffinMajor, I don't know how you see all his albums to be repetitive. To me, each one was awesome in it's own way. But I guess that's your opinion.

Jay-Z aight, even though he swagga jacked some songs from biggie, but got one of my favorite quotes, "How can I help the poor if I'm poor."

"I say a BIG verse, I'm only biggin' up my brother."

I'm double posting just to BUMP this thread.

Jay-Z couldn't seem to keep Def Jam on a roll, and he is Roc-A-Fella records. So much for an artist lineup, eh?

He's now made another business move...

-yahoo.com

The Blueprint 3? I wasn't a big fan of The Blueprint 2. As long as it's better than Kingdom Come and Best of Both Worlds, I'll cop it.

Best remix of "Roc Boys" ever. I mean, Jay-Z and Fela Kuti! I nearly creamed my panties when I saw this at the top of Hype Machine's index a few minutes ago.

Jay-Z has this crazy ability to provide whatever track he's been featured on with like, instant swagger.

Rick Ross - Maybach Music (f/ Jay-Z)

There is almost no one better when it comes to doing features:


Slim Thug ft. Jay-Z - I ain't heard of that
UGK ft. Jay-Z, Young Jeezy - Get Throwed

But Blueprint 2 is one of my fav tracks from him. I love the instrumentation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgyDjDouNds

Original Sample of BluePrint 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV0wPBYDQ6Y

Can't wear skinny jeans cause my knots don't fit.

Jay is the greatest rapper ever 11 albums and counting !

damn cant believe ima say this but, Hova > Nas

i really like jay-z.
a billie is so much better than a milli only because he's in it.
i really like ignoarant shit.

im just tired of the way he keeps retiring and coming back, retiring and coming back, on and on and on.

i do kinda like that he does a bunch of mashups.
theyre all kinda weird though.
i couldnt decide if i like jaydiohead (jay z vs radiohead)

um....he only retired once lmao

no its at least been two MAYBE three times. i promise.

How don't give a damn how many times he retires. He's still nice on the bars.