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American Gangster - Jay-Z
American Gangster Image
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 108 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: Jay-Z's 10th studio album features Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Kayne West, Beanie Sigel, Nas, Bilal, and Pharrell Williams.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. RapReviews.com
    100
    It is, really and truly, an experience.
  2. The A.V. Club
    91
    Judging by this surprisingly strong return to form, Jay-Z might want to consider spending less time in the office and more time at the movies.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    60
    When the natural flow of Nas' rap elevates 'Success' to one of American Gangster's best songs, you kind of wish Nas could have just had the same idea and done the album himself. It shadows the finale of the album, even the tight, appropriately grand title-track that finds Jay-Z at his breeziest.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 77
  3. Negative: 7 out of 77
  1. ajayd
    10
    Stop tryin to compare this to lupe...lupe has nothing on Jay. THis album is a hip hop master piece.
    • 2 of 3 users said yes
  2. PJB.
    4
    People hated on Kingdom Come, so now we get this pile of filler. I am still amazed how so many publications gave this album such high scores, when the only people who could really enjoy this album are those who never listen to hip-hop. This album is primarily produced by two of Puff Daddy's underlings, LV & and Sean C, who are also responsible for the disappointing Big Doe Rehab (Ghostface). Their beats are AWFUL. Generic soul samples with no variation or innovation make listening to this album a chore. It's almost pathetic to hear Jay-Z rapping about selling coke and cooking up drugs when he's been out of the ghetto since 1995. The only real highlight of this album is an appearance by Nas, who outshines Jay-Z not just on that track, but the whole album. Frankly, I don't know why Nas every squashed the beef between them. I would hate Jay-Z too if he was making millions claiming to be the best, while I was the true lyrical king of New York who only got respect from white boys and rock critics.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. JonnisJ.
    3
    It's a stinker. The beats are pukealicious.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 77 User Reviews

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