When Jay-Z saw a private viewing of the film American Gangster he was moved by the story of Harlem hustler Frank Lucas and it reminded him of his days of illegal commerce and inspired him to make a concept album and the movie’s unofficial soundtrack.
Throughout the album you hear the rise and fall of a hustler starting with Pray; the song has a ’70s feel and gives reasons for the need to hustle to get the things he wants in life. “Hello Brooklyn 2.0,” which features Lil Wayne, would be expected to be a spectacular track with the current king of hip hop and arguably one of the best rappers of his time. Instead, it’s just OK. While Jay spits some good verses like, “They said you would merk me by the time I was 21, that kinda disturbed me but you never hurt me,” Wayne goes on to spit a verse that was little less than average.
“Sweet” is a track that speaks to the fruits of the drug game but isn’t a stealer track. On the song “Ignorant Sh*t,” Jay addresses the critics of hip-hop’s content by using a sarcastic title and verses like, “I missed that part where it stopped being about Imus, what do my lyrics got to do with this.”
It is really the only song that breaks theme but has good substance.
Two of the stand out tracks are definitely Roc Boys, (And the winner is…) with its celebratory feel, blasting horns, and Jay’s smooth flow, it’s a can’t miss song that will be in heavy rotation. It speaks to the spoils of the drug game. “I Know,” which is a Neptune’s produced ode to the junkie who fills the pockets of the dealer, and the lead single “Blue Magic” (also produced by the Neptunes) are top-notch tracks on the album, which “I Know” is a bonus track.
“Fallin” is the last track on the album, before the bonus tracks, and rightfully so, as Jay spits some clever lines, the track centers on the end of the line where hustling and the good life finally catch up.
The album goes hand in hand with the movie experience which should be the aim of a concept album. Jay also sprinkled some of his personal emotions in it as well. Overall, it’s a pretty good album and once you see the movie you can see why it’s the unofficial soundtrack.