The "Dynasty like no other" has finally arrived in the form of Jay-Z's fifth album -- Roc La Familia 2000.
Jay-Z's second album in less than a year firmly cements "Jigga" as the undisputed king of hip-hop in 2000 and as far as the eye can see.
MTV and BET viewers who have experienced the infectious "I Just Wanna Love You -- Give It to Me" be warned, however, because that is the only song on the album you will be hearing regularly in a club. "Give It to Me" is as classic as Jay-Z dance tunes come for one reason. There are always those two or three lines that everyone knows. Even if you have heard the song just once, you are guaranteed to be saying, "Bubblin' in Dublin" the next time you hear it.
The self-proclaimed "Pimp-By-Blood" (not relation), gives listeners a very personal album this time around, however. It's not all about booty shaking on Roc-La Familia 2000. Perhaps that will be the only thing that detracts from its commercial success.
On "This Can't Be Life -- featuring Beanie Sigel and Scarface" Jay-Z reflects on his earlier life. From claims of, "being surrounded by thugs, drugs and drug paraphernalia," to the striking revelation of his still born child, Jay-Z shows the world that even for him there is more to life than "money, cash and hoes." The hook is very reminiscent the Notorious BIG's Juicy and equally as memorable.
Hova's proclamation of innocence in the December 1999 stabbing of hip-hop label executive Lance "Un" Rivera at Manhattan's upscale Kit-Kat Club, is made on "Guilty Until Proven Innocent -- featuring R. Kelly." In spite of not talking to the press about pending charges of attempted first and second degree assault, for which he would face a maximum of 15 years and $5,000 fine, Jay-Z makes it clear -- "not guilty."
Roc La Familia was rumored to originally have been a compilation album for Jay-Z's label-mates. With almost every track featuring either Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, Amil or DJ Clue, it may as well have been. Noticeably absent from the production team of this album are Swizz Beats and Timbaland. Having produced previous Jay-Z hits "Can I Get A. . ." and "Big Pimpin" respectively, their presence would have done much to improve some of the lyrically strong tracks with weaker beats.
Roc La Familia 2000 will not be as commercially successful as 1998's Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life, perhaps due to inferior production. However, it almost seems as if Jay-Z had to do an album like this to take himself back to the roots of his success -- 1996's gold Reasonable Doubt. Platinum is now the metal of choice, however. With Roc La Familia 2000 already gold in its fourth week of release and the consistent quality from track one to 16, platinum status seems inevitable.
