American Gangster
by Jay-Z
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 201 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 201
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 201
  3. Negative: 12 out of 201

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  1. Emperor
    Apr 10, 2011
    2
    Dude always calls himself the "Best" and that's exactly why he is not the best. He brags so f****kin much, i can call at least three rappers am 100% sure are far better than him (Eminem, Andre 300, Nas). Am only giving this a two because of the two songs i like( Roc Boys and Success) outside those two, The rest=Garbage !!!
  2. ChrisC.
    Nov 22, 2007
    3
    Jay Z has always said he is "the best". However if you truly do listen to his lyrics, you will realize that many of them are taken directly from *real* rappers. He has copied lyrics from the likes of Tupac and Biggie.. most of the time verbatim, and makes into his "own" song which gives him money. This album also features lil wayne. Two terrible rappers on one track. The only good song on Jay Z has always said he is "the best". However if you truly do listen to his lyrics, you will realize that many of them are taken directly from *real* rappers. He has copied lyrics from the likes of Tupac and Biggie.. most of the time verbatim, and makes into his "own" song which gives him money. This album also features lil wayne. Two terrible rappers on one track. The only good song on this CD features Nas. Nas begins to rap and he basically steals this song. If you truly love hip hop you already know this is crap. I am just trying to inform people that this is what makes rap bad.… Expand
  3. JonnisJ.
    Nov 18, 2007
    3
    It's a stinker. The beats are pukealicious.
  4. SérgioF.
    Nov 15, 2007
    3
    I don't quite appreciate Jay's music and this album can prove his lack of talent
  5. AaronM
    Nov 10, 2007
    0
    This CD is pure garbage. I don't know what you all are smoking. There is not one hit song on this CD and the production value is so poor, it's ridiculous! Jay should have stopped at the Black Album. Ever since, his flow has been breezy and choppy, and his arrogance won't carry him like a Kanye album.
  6. Ralph...
    Nov 5, 2007
    3
    jay z has become a one dimensional artist. the album fails to carry any substance. his lyrics are mediocre and he fails to paint pictures or showcase and true artistry as an mc. pray, noo hook and fallin are the good tracks. nas had a great verse on success but the beat and jays blatant biting of eminems rhymes make the track an underwhelming experience.
  7. whathuh
    Nov 5, 2007
    0
    I thought this guy retired...

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Album of 2007
40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2007
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 4, 2011
    90
    It's excellent, to be honest. Jay-Z sounds relaxed and comfortable in his legacy on the mic: he's not feeling as pressed to perform as he did on Kingdom Come, and the MC just lets his talent flow effortlessly.
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    This is a very good Jay-Z album. He is, for the most part, doing what he has done before: what he does best.
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    There are also sparse, programmed beats from the Neptunes and lesser-knowns like No I.D., with Jay-Z fixing his flow accordingly. What unites the collection more than a specific sound is a narrative arc that loosely parallels Lucas' rise and decline.
    Read full review
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