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4:44
by
4:44 Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 405 Ratings

  • Summary: The 13th full-length solo studio release for the rapper was produced by No I.D. and features guest appearances from Beyoncé, daughter Blue Ivy, Gloria Carter (his mother), Damian Marley, Frank Ocean and The-Dream. It was a one week exclusive for Sprint customers and Tidal subscribers beforeThe 13th full-length solo studio release for the rapper was produced by No I.D. and features guest appearances from Beyoncé, daughter Blue Ivy, Gloria Carter (his mother), Damian Marley, Frank Ocean and The-Dream. It was a one week exclusive for Sprint customers and Tidal subscribers before a physical CD release (July 7) was announced that includes three bonus tracks (which features a guest appearance from James Blake).… Expand
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Now greetings to the world Gangsta no live in a tenement yard Rude boy no live in a tenement yard Too much watchy, watchy, watchy Too much su, su,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 30, 2017
    100
    With a rare display of vulnerability and contrition, grace and grown-up wisdom, Jay Z has delivered one of the most mature albums in hip hop history.
  2. Clash Music
    Jul 11, 2017
    90
    It’s reality music, and while obviously tailored around the life and times of Shawn Carter, offers so many narratives that the common man can relate to in astounding measures.
  3. HipHopDX
    Jul 6, 2017
    88
    There are several JAY-Z albums that are superior in terms of musical creativity, but never has the man behind the Roc chain been more prolific in thought. It’s catharsis on steroids, walking the tightrope between FYI and TMI.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 30, 2017
    80
    These heartfelt, confessional apologies are delivered via Jay’s most concise, straightforward album in years. 10 tracks and 36 minutes long, this is a filler-free return to form after 2013’s patchy and bloated ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’.
  5. AllMusic
    Jul 6, 2017
    80
    4:44 nonetheless is an unglamorous set well suited for solitary and reflective late-night listening. There are no radio play bids. Jay-Z has been in this mode at various points, but never in such concentrated, enlightened form, whether the subject is his mistakes as a husband, the struggles of his long-closeted lesbian mother, the effects of enduring systemic racism, or the assertion of his supremacy.
  6. Exclaim
    Jul 5, 2017
    80
    4:44 is a refreshing, full-circle moment for hip-hop lovers--and a true pleasure to hear.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 2, 2017
    54
    JAY-Z tries to invigorate his musical career by connecting with himself for other people's sake. In total, it sounds like what it is, a business leader for whom the personal proves troublingly difficult to connect with.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 63
  3. Negative: 4 out of 63
  1. victorcarter
    Jul 12, 2017
    10
    this is the best album that i've ever heard in my entire. Jay-Z has delivered an fantastic, insanely banging on all levels album from start to finish.
  2. childofthe90s
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    this is the best album that i've ever heard in my entire. Jay-Z has delivered an fantastic, insanely banging on all levels album from start to finish.
  4. aguarner11
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    Hov consolidates himself as the greatest rapper of all time in this album. He speaks truth and his flow is still incredible. I would haveHov consolidates himself as the greatest rapper of all time in this album. He speaks truth and his flow is still incredible. I would have liked a longer album but it's better having only 10 tracks if all of them are great.… Expand
  5. NintendoJapan
    Nov 24, 2017
    9
    It is absolutely incredible after all these years, Jay-Z can release a banger like he has with 4:44. His honest lyrics combined with the usualIt is absolutely incredible after all these years, Jay-Z can release a banger like he has with 4:44. His honest lyrics combined with the usual amazing Jay-Z wordplay makes 4:44 one of the best 2017 releases. His flow is just incredible to listen to and the beats on every track is on par.… Expand
  6. nebraska_j
    Jul 1, 2017
    8
    The Return of Jay-Z, this is a short album that is saved by probably some of Jay's most personal and lyrical verses in years. To add to thatThe Return of Jay-Z, this is a short album that is saved by probably some of Jay's most personal and lyrical verses in years. To add to that NO I.D. outdid himself on the beats.… Expand
  7. Borwaka
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    Jay-Z delivers introspection, maturity, growth over unconventional flows on beautifully produced tracks. This latest endeavour shows us thatJay-Z delivers introspection, maturity, growth over unconventional flows on beautifully produced tracks. This latest endeavour shows us that he still has it. The mature lyrics display the human side of Hov, which is something we've long awaited.

    Not only is the record a well crafted project but, it is also concise and focused. Jay doesn't give us a moment of pause; instead, he delivers a hefty array of subjects to contemplate. Which in turn makes this album something to listen to over and over. The great production and soulful tracks allow 4:44 to be a project to vibe to and to dissect.

    While it's overall a great album, and will most likely be within Jay's top three or four records, nothing about this album makes it perfect.

    What's missing: punchier lyrics, more complex flow, a fuller tracklist, and more introspection.

    This is a great piece of art, but it's more like an appetizer than a full LP. We're wanting more.    … Expand
  8. Marcosotica
    Oct 6, 2017
    0
    Album bem ruim amores, nao é nada do que estavamos esperando, nao chega aos pes dos melhores albuns da atualizade, infelizmente o jay z naoAlbum bem ruim amores, nao é nada do que estavamos esperando, nao chega aos pes dos melhores albuns da atualizade, infelizmente o jay z nao tem mais talento;… Expand

See all 63 User Reviews

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24
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