Jay-ZĪnd theeere you were thinking that Dead Prez only had one track of note to their name. Dre’s classic album “2001” and this ode to him is a sign of respect from Jay-Z, and therefore from the East coast the West coast. Dre (who also produces alongside Scott Storch). Dr.Dre, Rakim and Truth HurtsĪnother cut from “The Blueprint 2: The Gift and The Curse” (It was a double-disc album after all) and along with Jigga himself, features two undisputed legends of the rap game: an extremely rare appearance from Rakim and also Dr. There was no way I could leave a Kanye West collaboration off this list, and while there’s a whole album of Kanye West and Jay-Z collaborations in the “Watch The Throne” album, the sheer epicness, along with the message of hope in this is song makes it stick out for me. ….with a hook that samples Michael fucking Bolton.
And a lesson into how to make a club banger, despite never making a Jay-Z album (he thought it sounded too much like “Jigga What? Jigga Who?”) this lived on Timbaland’s second album released in 2001, long before the likes of his OneRepublic collaborations. Ladies and gentlemen, this right here is a lesson in flow.
One of the best things about the song? It’s 5 minutes 38 seconds of telling the critics of both Eminem and Jay-Z to kindly fuck off. How the bloomin’ ‘eck (to use rap terminology) could this not make the list?! As the only feature on “The Blueprint” (which is widely regarded as Jay-Z’s best album) Marshall Mathers not only produces the track but, according to Nas, Jay-Z’s bitter rival at the time: “Eminem murdered you on your own shit."Īnd that is saying a hell of a lot. While not exactly lyrically original (we’re rich as fuck!) the production from Timbaland and Pharrell is gold, the flows are gold and this writer couldn’t resist putting an official Nas and Jay-Z collaboration in the list (do yourself a favour and see also: “Success” from Jay-Z’s “American Gangster” as well as an absolute gem they both appeared on called “I Do It For Hip-Hop” by Ludacris.) “Renegade” Feat. Especially when it sounds as good as this does.
Reading that list of features on any song should be enough of a reason to love it. Take a look of ‘The Ascension’ tracklist below.Just look at all those rich talented bastards. The rap mogul follows in the footsteps of his wife Beyonce whose last album “Lion King: The Gift” album, featured African stars like of Burna boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shatta Wale, and Tekno. The Ascension is not just talking or focusing on Africa but it’s also about me giving back to the people, familiarizing with the culture and connecting more with the motherland.” You know, Africa is blessed with so much talent and I felt like it was time to tap into that resource. “I’ve always wanted to get in touch with my roots and connect to the motherland. The 16 songs project features guest appearances from te liks of Olamide, Sarkodie, Femi Kuti, Nasty C, Beyoncé, Rick Ross, H.E.R and the duo of Lighthouse family. Jay-Z is set to release his African-Themed album dubbed, ‘The Ascension” in the coming weeks, the Grammy award winning rap icon has unveiled the tracklist for the forthcoming project which will be released exclusively via Tidal.