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Already making
their mark on the music, movies, videos, and clothes, it
seemed that Jay-Z and Rocafella Records had done everything.
Everything except MTV Unplugged that is. Not since LL Cool J
has a Hip Hop artist been asked to perform for MTV live
without the advantage of the usual performance necessities,
thus “Unplugged.” Essentially a greatest hits collection,
Jay-Z Unplugged solidifies “Young Vito” aka Jay-Z’s already
cemented status as “the flowa of the century.” Accompanied by
“the most incredible” Roots band and an orchestra, Jay-Z
Unplugged showcases more character and spontaneity than any
studio session could provide.
The now infamous battle track “Takeover” is one of the most
impressive cuts on the album. During the second and third
verses on the song, The Roots weave into instrumental versions
of both “Shook Ones” and “Oochie Wally,” with Jigga lamenting
“you little fuck I got money stacks bigger than you,” amongst
other shots. In an interview with MTV.com, ?uestlove of the
Roots said: “When the audience heard ‘Shook Ones’ come in,
their energy was so crazy, it was almost on some Beatles shit.
People have this preconceived image of Jay-Z…it was very
important to him…to show different sides of his music.”
Amazingly Jay-Z avoids cursing throughout much of the album,
despite his up-tempo cadence; he reminds “we kill you
itty-bitty ants wit a sledge hammer.” Touching on every one of
his albums to date, Jigga pulls out hit after hit including an
amazing rendition of “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Big Pimpin’,” “Can I
Get A…,” and “Hard Knock Life.”
Besides sharing the Unplugged stage with The Roots band, he
also blesses the audience with a special guest appearance by
Mary J. Blige, performing “Can’t Knock The Hustle” from
Reasonable Doubt. The Neptunes’ Pharrel Williams also shows up
to sing the hook for “I Just Wanna Love U (Give it 2 Me),”
which he also produced. The biggest treat on the album is the
hidden track after “Jigga That N****.” “People Talkin’” is a
blast at all the haters who want to see Jay fall off the
throne and is produced by Ski who many may remember for his
production work on much of Jay-Z’s classic debut Reasonable
Doubt. Spittin’ over the stuttering beat Jay exclaims “throw
in the towel I’m better with vowels.” For Jay-Z fans the album
is definitely a must have. For Jay-Z haters, this album may
provide a new look at the now legendary emcee. On the way out
Jay reminds that besides his soon to be released album with R.
Kelly entitled The Love Zone, The BluePrint 2 is on its way as
well. “I’m jus playin’ wit y’all n----’s, I ain’t gotta sell
anotha record in my life… See Y’all in November.”
-Dugless
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