Kingdom Come [PA]

Performer: Jay-Z
Artist: Chrisette Michele; John Legend; Pharrell Williams; Usher; Beyonce; Sterling Simms; Ne-Yo; Chris Martin
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: It's been said that Jay-Z put on his retirement show just so he could call himself "the Mike Jordan of rap." He might've also named his ninth studio album (and his first post-retirement) KINGDOM COME to draw equally boastful Superman comparisons. Supposedly taking the title from a Superman comic book in which the Man of Steel comes out of retirement to save the world yet again, Jiggaman seems to think hip-hop needs rescuing once more. Whether KINGDOM COME is the album to do it is debatable; however, Jay-Z's 2006 comeback offering might live up to the hype, after all. The album sparkles musically, thanks in large part to wisely chosen production from Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, the Neptunes, B-Money, DJ Khalil, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre (who serves up four tight beats), and Jay's plain-and-simple, top-shelf mic command finds new focus here as he spits as much about mid-life introspection as he does on standard hustler-to-mogul braggadocio. On "Lost Ones," Jigga speaks of his split with Dame Dash and the trials of his highly publicized love life, and "Minority Report" is yet another hip-hop protest song dedicated to Hurricane Katrina victims. KINGDOM COME also benefits from a typically all-star guest list that includes John Legend, Usher, Pharrell, Nelly, Chrissette Michelle, Sterling Simms, Beyonce, and, most surprisingly, Chris Martin of Coldplay.

Rolling Stone (p.119) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "This time, he's more imperious, kicking back like he has nothing to prove....On 'Kingdom Come' and 'Trouble,' Jay is just dominant." Entertainment Weekly (p.81) - "Jay-Z's coolly virtuosic delivery is irresistible....[With] stellar cuts..." -- Grade: B

Considered one of the best lyricists to emerge in the wake of the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac's deaths, Jay-Z has since carried the flag of hip-hop narrative skill. His Roc-A-Fella family had already created a solid reputation based on Jay-Z's 1997 debut. As his fame has grown, so has his tendency to bring more R&B production elements into his work, creating a club-friendly, danceable version of east coast gangsta hip-hop that hasn't diminished his reputation as a preeminent force in rap. Perhaps even more importantly, Jay-Z has become a powerful musica impresario. In his role as president/CEO of Def Jam in the early 2000s, he fostered the careers of popular R&B singers Rihanna and Ne-Yo, and enjoyed a high profile as a co-owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team. His long relationship and eventual marriage to superstar Beyonce has further endeared him to fans.

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