csberry | 250 - Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt

The big debut from Jay-Z presents a rapper with an already established style that would remain fairly well intact for the following decade. There are jazz and smooth R&B samples. He's got the ego, his bravado is still fresh from the streets (as opposed to his current millionaire posturing), and his laid-back delivery are all there.

The songs that seem to grab my attention the most are the ones where the beats are smooth and laid back. Whenever Jay-Z or the guest rappers start to act like party MCs or get aggressive in their delivery, my brain has tended to shut down and lose focus on the music.

Songs I knew I liked: None

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Can't Knock the Hustle," "Politics As Usual," "Feelin' It," "Ain't No N*gg*," "Coming of Age," and "Regrets"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "Brooklyn's Finest" and "22 Two's"