REASONABLE DOUBT

Classic-An outstanding example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or timeless quality.

The album Reasonable Doubt almost supersedes the actual definition of Classic itself. Still in the stages of building his empire ROC-A-FELLA in 1996 Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and the rest of his team locked in to create one of the best hip hop albums in existence. At the time the 26 year old from Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, NY was looking to defy the odds.

The 26 year old had gone from rapping to the sounds of rain drops on his window seal in the projects, to selling drugs, and finally using what he learned in the streets to distribute his music: This was JAY-Z's opportunity to paint his picture, on this blank canvas, and give it to the world.

One of the most exhilarating and rhythmic songs on the album is "Cant Knock The Hustle" featuring Mary J. Blige. Produced by Knobody and Sean Cane, they gave JAY-Z the opportunity to talk to the streets. It was his way of telling "Hustlers" across the world: " I'm like you", "I understand what you go through", "I understand why you wear your Rolex watch and you drive a Mercedes Benz", "and you know what??, I don't judge you for it." "I don't judge how you get your money"

His flow, his cadence, and and his smooth tone made for a track that was kind of a anthem for Hustlers everywhere. Combined with Mary J Blige's passionate vocals on the songs chorus, it made for a memorable song that let people know: Get your money your way, and never judge the next mans way of getting his. "N****s is feening what's the meaning? I'm leaning on any n*** intervening on the sound of my money machining"-JAY-Z "Cant Knock The Hustle".

The song that probably spoke the most volumes to every hustler or person from the street life was "Dead Presidents". Produced by Ski Beats JAY-Z used his unique storytelling ability to describe street life in Brooklyn, NY. "Factions from the other side would love to kill me, spill three quarts of my blood in to the street let alone the heat" -JAY-Z "Dead Presidents". He details a story of how envious the street environment can be when you become successful. Whether your a drug dealer with a lot of money in the street life or a successful entrepreneur in the business world. I'm sure there is room for all of us to relate to this song.

When you have two Brooklyn giants The Notorious BIG and JAY-Z collaborate on a track you know a hit will be made. "Brooklyn's Finest" produced by Clark Kent, gave The Notorious BIG and JAY-Z room to showcase their lyrical ability. As they both went bar for bar on the melodious song some even wondered if they were secretly battling. "I got vendettas in dice games against a** bettors and n**** who pump wheels and drive Jettas" -JAY-Z "Brooklyns Finest"

"F*** fist fights and lame scuffles, pillow case to your face make the shell muffle"- The Notorious BIG "Brooklyn's Finest". From that point on conversations began to happen amongst hip hop fans. It went from debating who was the best on that track to debating who was the best in Brooklyn. Despite the debate this song remains The "Brooklyn Anthem".

Masterpiece- A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.

JAY-Z took his rhyming ability, blended it with his knowledge of his storied life, and created a work of art. Songs like "Aint No N****" Featuring Brooklyn's own Foxy Brown where they both give different gender perspectives of the money/sex life in the street life. Also in different songs like "D'evils" where JAY-Z talks about the sacrifices and vices that come with living that life: Such as jail time, death, fake friends, snakes, snitches, greed and much more. He really went in depth on each of these songs and exploited all of the positive and negative avenues of "The Hustler."

"I didn't know what to expect when Dame and I parted ways, truthfully I just wanted the rights and masters to my Reasonable Doubt Album. Its my first love, its my baby" JAY-Z said in a interview.

It's hard to believe that he released this album 25 years ago. Reasonable Doubt really started to change how Hip Hop albums were written. It really set the standard with substance in hip hop material. Since then JAY-Z has released 12 other studio albums which are all platinum He is the owner of the 40/40 Club and Roc Nation. He is also one of the first billionaires in Hip Hop.

Some people call it the greatest hip hop album ever produced. Someone can listen to this album today and pick up the little lessons and jewels that JAY-Z taught all those years ago. In my opinion those are the classics. The albums that were made years ago, but the material is so original and multilayered that you may actually have to mature in life to understand it. Reasonable Doubt is a classic, and will always hold a special place in the hearts of all hip hop fans!