15 years ago Jay Z released his eighth and supposed final album. Jay Z announced that the Black Album would be final project and went on a retirement tour to accompany it. The Black Album debuted #1 on the Billboard Charts as it sold over 460,000 copies during the first week. The Black Album was the follow-up of the Blueprint 2 project. As many know by now, Jay Z is one of the illest rappers to ever pick up a mic. The album didn’t feature any other rappers but had some of great producers on the album. Just Blaze, The Neptunes, DJ Quik, Kanye West, Rick Rubin, Timbaland and Eminem produced on the album. The first single released less than two weeks prior to the album released and it featured Pharrell on the hook. Change Clothes was the name of the track.
Change Clothes was a nice track, but honestly this track didn’t do much for me. The next single, Dirt Off Your Shoulders is one of the highlights of the Black Album. Timbaland produced the track so you know the sound would be dope. The third and final single released for the album was produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. The track was 99 Problems and it’s one of Jay Z’s best tracks ever. Below is the track listing and stream for the Black Album.
- Interlude
- December 4th
- What More Can I Say
- Encore
- Change Clothes
- Dirt Off Your Shoulders
- Threat
- Moment of Clarity
- 99 Problems
- Public Service Announcement (Interlude)
- Justify My Thug
- Lucifer
- Allure
- My 1st Song
3 Comments
vaporleaf
Damn, it’s really been 15 years? I remember the day it was released vividly. Thanks for making me feel old!
Travis
Never been the biggest Jay-Z fan, but this would’ve been the best way to go out. Sorry, but I’m probably much older than you though if that makes you feel better.
Kiye Sic
Great article!