From the onset of his now illustrious career with the release of his legendary debut, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, Jay-Z to this day has remained a fixture in the music industry longer than just about anyone. Though Jay-Z has found immense success, not just as a rap artist, but also as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, he presents himself more so in an apologetic, lamenting, and humble manner in his newest release, 4:44. Contrary to most lyrical themes in his previous work, Jay-Z spends a significant portion of 4:44 rapping in a shameful and apologetic manner for his prior mistakes regarding family life. Lyrical themes in 4:44 also extend to racism, stereotypes, and a strong personal revelation that ties in to the rights and his support
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In fact, the name of the album (4:44) serves directly as a testament to its title track (also called 4:44), in which Jay-Z openly apologizes to his wife, Beyonce, for being a negligent husband and for his recently revealed infidelity. Jay-Z literally began writing the song at 4:44 A.M. one morning. The profound effect of the creation of the song on Jay-Z led him to make it the title track of the album. One line of the song that particularly struck me was when Jay-Z began his third verse by …show more content…
“Let go your ego” is a play on the slogan of the popular waffle band Eggo’s slogan, “L’eggo my eggo.” By saying “You egged Solange on” Jay-Z is playing along with the breakfast theme, and also indicating that he was responsible for instigating the elevator incident involving Beyonce’s sister, Solange. Though it is lyrically where 4:44 makes it mark, it should also be commended for the vocal performances on it as well as its fine production quality. As a rapper, Jay-Z is highly regarded for his skill, as he is considered the ultimate master of the flow. There are many instances in 4:44 where the skill in Jay-Z’s rapping ability is truly pronounced. When listening to 4:44 there were several instances when I heard Jay-Z rapping where I was reminded of songs on his legendary debut album Reasonable
In fact, the name of the album (4:44) serves directly as a testament to its title track (also called 4:44), in which Jay-Z openly apologizes to his wife, Beyonce, for being a negligent husband and for his recently revealed infidelity. Jay-Z literally began writing the song at 4:44 A.M. one morning. The profound effect of the creation of the song on Jay-Z led him to make it the title track of the album. One line of the song that particularly struck me was when Jay-Z began his third verse by …show more content…
“Let go your ego” is a play on the slogan of the popular waffle band Eggo’s slogan, “L’eggo my eggo.” By saying “You egged Solange on” Jay-Z is playing along with the breakfast theme, and also indicating that he was responsible for instigating the elevator incident involving Beyonce’s sister, Solange. Though it is lyrically where 4:44 makes it mark, it should also be commended for the vocal performances on it as well as its fine production quality. As a rapper, Jay-Z is highly regarded for his skill, as he is considered the ultimate master of the flow. There are many instances in 4:44 where the skill in Jay-Z’s rapping ability is truly pronounced. When listening to 4:44 there were several instances when I heard Jay-Z rapping where I was reminded of songs on his legendary debut album Reasonable