5. American Gangster (10th album)
American Gangster is the only concept album ever released by Jay-Z. Inspired by Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Frank Lucas in the movie American Gangster, Jay-Z quietly recorded an album to coincide with the movie. The album produced two singles, “Blue Magic” and “Roc Boys.” American Gangster was said to even be a favorite of President Obama, who confirmed this in an interview on BET.
Most notable stat:
Album tied Jay-Z with Elvis Presley for second highest number of #1 albums behind only The Beatles
Most notable single:
“Roc Boys”
4. Black Album (8th album)
The Black Album transformed Jay-Z into music icon status and dubbed him considerably the greatest rapper of all-time. The album was expected to be Jay-Z’s last piece of music, making him the first rapper to official declare himself as retired. Production included heavyweight hip-hop producers Neptunes, Timbaland, Just Blaze, Kanye West, Rick Rubin and more. The album produced four chart topping singles, “99 Problems,” “Change Clothes,” “Encore” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder.”
Most notable stat:
The Black album is Jay-Z’s top selling album of the 2000s
Most notable single:
“Change Clothes”
3. Hard Knock Life Vol. 2 (3rd album)
They say that three times is a charm. Whoever made that catch phrase couldn’t have been more correct for Jay’s career. Though it may not be Jay-Z’s best piece of work, Hard Knock Life Vol.2 is the most important album of his career. The third album launched Jay-Z into commercial superstardom by releasing four chart-topping singles, “Money Ain’t a Thang,” “Hard Knock Life,” “Can I Get A” and “Money Cash H#*s.” Hard Knock Life Vol. 2 took home the Grammy award for Best Rap Album in 1999.
Most notable stat:
Album won the Grammy award for Best Rap Album in 1999
Most notable single:
“Hard Knock Life”
2. Blueprint (5th album)
Blueprint officially birthed Jay-z’s transition from street hustler Jigga into businessman Hov. Jay-z stepped out of the norm musically and implanted a soulful sound of hip-hop, rather than just everyday club hits. No question, Jay-z had a lot of help from upcoming producing and aspiring rapper, Kanye West. The album was reportedly cut in two weeks. The album produced three chart toppers, “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Song Cry” and “Izzo (H.O.V.A).”
Most notable stat:
Album received 5 mics from The Source magazine
Most notable single:
“Girls, Girls, Girls”
1. Reasonable Doubt (1st album)
Sometimes the best work is never the best commercially. This motto definitely applies to Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The album produced four singles, “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” “Dead Presidents,” “Ain’t No Ni***” and “Feelin It.” Every song on Reasonable Doubt is a classic. This is one of few albums that you have no need to press forward. Fifteen years after its release, Reasonable Doubt still ranks as one of the greatest albums ever released.
Most notable stat:
Album is ranked number 248 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Most notable single:
“Can’t Knock the Hustle” ft. Mary J. Blige
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