In response to the article ("99 problems but a hit ain't one," Dec. 1), I would like to say that I think that is one of the most unfair, biased reviews I have ever read in my six years of reading the Collegian.

Jay-Z is without a doubt the best rapper alive.

You have to realize, the man is 37 years old, and he still makes hits consistenly -- and has been for a decade.

How many rappers are around that long now. Name three.

I have heard about 27 cars and residences (honestly) listening to the tracks such as "Dig a Hole," "The Prelude," "Kingdom Come," etc.

Granted it might not be the Jay-Z of Reasonable Doubt or The Blueprint days.

But if you listen closely, he is saying a lot of true facts about the rap game/industry and how success leads to jealously and envy from your closest friends and foolish incidents to occur in life unnecessarily, such as his seperation from Dame Dash of Roc-a-Fella Records.

As a true fan of hip hop you have to respect what this man is doing.

These 50 Cents, Jim Jones, G-Unit characters are pure jokes.

Their marketing plans, catchy beats and phrases made them successful and rich - but not Jay.

His lyrical skill since the days in Marcy Projects where arugably one of the best albums in Reasonable Doubt was born, carried him straight into the board with Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, BMW, Busch beer.

To give this man with so much street, lyrical, entrepreneurial talent and credibility a D+ is a true failure of your ability to rate good music.

I mean, he's on the cover of GQ, XXL and many other magazines. He was on CNN, Monday Night Football and ESPN.

And that definitely has got to count for something.