4:44
by Jay-Z
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 405 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 316 out of 405
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 405
  3. Negative: 63 out of 405
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  1. 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 have liked a longer album but it's better having only 10 tracks if all of them are great.
  2. TimW001
    Jul 8, 2017
    9
    Great album, great beats. Especially love the depth of the lyrics. It has a classic sound and stitch back beats to an earlier hip hop era, which is welcome. Some great songs like 4:44, Bam, The Story of O.J. Obviously the Tidal issues will overshadow the album but it's still a strong album.

    "Look, I apologise, often womanise Took for my child to be born See through a woman's eyes    Great album, great beats. Especially love the depth of the lyrics. It has a classic sound and stitch back beats to an earlier hip hop era, which is welcome. Some great songs like 4:44, Bam, The Story of O.J. Obviously the Tidal issues will overshadow the album but it's still a strong album.

    "Look, I apologise, often womanise
    Took for my child to be born
    See through a woman's eyes
    Took for these natural twins to believe in miracles
    Took me too long for this song
    I don't deserve you
    Yeah, I'll **** up a good thing if you let me
    Let me alone, Becky
    A man that don't take care his family can't be rich"    … Expand
  3. BigTyCoon
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    This is Jay's best album in years and his most open and personal. It's time he did this and man we as fans are rewarded greatly. Can't wait to listen to this over and over again. And he still has bars!
  4. jeesantoos
    Jul 17, 2017
    10
    The album is amazing. Full of smart and deep songs. Wordplay is amazing, and you get a sense that real Rhythm and Poetry is being delivered. Those who are looking exclusively for club bangers pass right beside the great message that's being sent. I think this will go down as another Jay Z classic album.
  5. Hafsa
    Aug 19, 2017
    10
    Smart, insightful, vulnerable and overall DOPE album. One of my favorite Hov's work, by far. Also the production of every single song is incredibly done by NO I.D.
  6. RealOpinions
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    Un gran trabajo realizado por Jay-Z, no hay palabras para describir la perfección de este álbum, un álbum muy estructurado en todo sentido y visualmente una Joya.
  7. as1an
    Sep 5, 2017
    9
    A deep and inspirational album from Jay-Z which deals with real social issues such as building upward mobility within the black community. It questions the very materialistic lifestyle which rap was founded upon. The beats are great and Jay-Z delivers some insane flows on this project. The album doesn't need to be long because Jay-Z gives his message clearly.
  8. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  9. 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 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.
  10. bambi
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    An album that Jay Z can talk about what he wants to talk. He perfectly articulates the ideas he would like to talk about.

    The production of every tracks by No ID is perfect. Great samples are combined with great beats.
  11. gersg
    Jul 14, 2017
    8
    I loved this album, and it was so good that I wasn't even expecting it, it caught me by surprise. Jay Z is brutally honest in the lyrics, criticizing mainly politics and personal matters. My favorite song "Kill Jay Z"
  12. NeutralMilkH
    Jul 9, 2017
    8
    Jay-Z is at his most vulnerable here, as every song reveals what is so great about the character and lyricism of Jay-Z, while at the same time revealing how flawed he is as a human being and a person who carries certain moral beliefs. The album itself will prove to be a hard listen for people who only want to listen to music that is "popular" but will prove to be a rewarding experience forJay-Z is at his most vulnerable here, as every song reveals what is so great about the character and lyricism of Jay-Z, while at the same time revealing how flawed he is as a human being and a person who carries certain moral beliefs. The album itself will prove to be a hard listen for people who only want to listen to music that is "popular" but will prove to be a rewarding experience for those of you who choose to embrace it's witty lyrics, confident flow, and surprising consistency. I may write a longer review of this album soon, but for now, I don't want to go too deep into what makes this album a worthy listen.… Expand
  13. itsvague
    Nov 30, 2017
    7
    The 3rd album released after the infamous night of the elevator battle scene features male drama, family feuds and killer samples perfectly mixed with hip-hop/rap. JAY Z evolves drastically following some kind of Kendrick-Lamared poetic tones that'll definitely earn him some golden gramophones next year.

    HIghlights: Kill JAY Z, The Story of O.J., Family Feud, 4:44, Legacy.
  14. Alessio99
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    Love this album, especially how Hov makes you feel like anybody can have their anagnorisis late on and still make the best of a bad experience, with him and Beyonce mixing well and Frank having lovely vocals.
  15. cheiry4
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    Best album released in 2017! Love how personal this album....Hov is the GOAT
  16. PuffFishTorch28
    Jul 2, 2017
    9
    I have to say, after the plethora of lackluster releases from Jay over the last several years, this next project is a pleasant surprise. He seems to have returned to his roots in terms of his wordplay, clever entendres, and the overall construction of sound this album carries. It doesn't hurt that the entirety of the production is handled by No I.D. himself, and it shows in each track. ItI have to say, after the plethora of lackluster releases from Jay over the last several years, this next project is a pleasant surprise. He seems to have returned to his roots in terms of his wordplay, clever entendres, and the overall construction of sound this album carries. It doesn't hurt that the entirety of the production is handled by No I.D. himself, and it shows in each track. It hurt to hear him dumb down his lyrics to double his dollars, but it seems now like he's at the point where he has the room to do something great without fear of commercial failure. The honest and unfiltered nature of 4:44, along with the creative stride Jay has made through working closely with No I.D. shine through on his 13th effort.… Expand
  17. 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 that NO I.D. outdid himself on the beats.
  18. ChrisJMusic
    Jul 1, 2017
    10
    Possibly the most impressive characteristic of this album is the fact that the artist is currently 47 years old, still outdoing almost everyone in his genre. Maybe it was the masterful production and the perfectly chosen samples by No I.D. Maybe it was the honesty and the emotion put into the lyrics. Whatever it is, 4:44 is a masterpiece of its own.

    For an artist who has released 13    Possibly the most impressive characteristic of this album is the fact that the artist is currently 47 years old, still outdoing almost everyone in his genre. Maybe it was the masterful production and the perfectly chosen samples by No I.D. Maybe it was the honesty and the emotion put into the lyrics. Whatever it is, 4:44 is a masterpiece of its own.

    For an artist who has released 13 solo studio albums, somehow this project is refreshing and feels completely different than the rest. it begins with a rough cut into his insecurities and downfalls, followed by looks at racial issues and words from his mother. These tracks lead up to an apology for his infidelity to his wife, and the album closes with a letter to his children on how to continue the legacy.

    This project possesses meaning and emotion, concepts almost completely forgotten by modern hip hop and rap albums. Regardless of what the general audience has to say, the Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee blessed the true hip hop fans that have better things to do than listen to mumble rap with an album that deserves praise.    … Expand
  19. Blakewmorrisuk
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    At 47 years old, Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Sean Carter entered his third decade in the industry with a project reminiscent of his past - in both story and sound.

    Project 4:44, produced by NO I.D., is truly characterized by it's samples. From the laid back grooves off Nina Simone's 'Baltimore' to the thrill inducing cries of Hannah Williams & The Affirmation's 'Late Nights and    At 47 years old, Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Sean Carter entered his third decade in the industry with a project reminiscent of his past - in both story and sound.

    Project 4:44, produced by NO I.D., is truly characterized by it's samples. From the laid back grooves off Nina Simone's 'Baltimore' to the thrill inducing cries of Hannah Williams & The Affirmation's 'Late Nights and Heartbreaks' one may find themselves asking, "Did I click on a Bond movie soundtrack by mistake?" Though only 10 tracks, the samples provide Carter's 13th studio album the fullness of a two-disc release; with each sample providing a stroke of pain, pride, power, and regret on the canvas of fortune.

    Accompanying the top-of-the line production is arguably Carters' greatest display of lyricism in his twenty-one year career. Void of the stylized grunts punctuating each verse in Magna Carta Holy Grail, 4:44's unsatisfactory predecessor, the world-renowned songwriter's ink runs dry in an industry that has long left the pen behind. Whether it be a heartbreaking revelation of the $1.16 billion dollar couple's infidelities or the disappointed condemnations of a younger brother's missteps - each song is a different chapter in the diary of New York's finest.

    4:44 is both a shining testament to the legendary artist's unparalleled success and a humbling self-exposé of a prideful man's sinner's remorse. On behalf of hip-hop, old and new, thank you for your continued contributions to the industry, Mr. Carter. Or, to put it more plainly: you crazy for this one, Jay!    … Expand
  20. Thegodfatherson
    Jul 9, 2017
    10
    Jay Z reclaims his throne, by outdoing himself on this latest record. Everything, down to the production, the choice of samples, and the vocals is carefully mastered and perfected. 4:44 is a deeply personal account, and one that entertains rather than drag.
  21. thedaywalker
    Jul 1, 2017
    7
    A very simple album that packs a punch. The single producer really help my a very solid beat selection, keeping me always hooked to the songs. Jay-Z really seemed to have a lot to say, specially on the song 4:44, which is for me where the álbum starts. The songs before 4:44 seem to light headed, but when 4:44 came, he really went hard on the rest of the álbum, lyrical wise and even beatA very simple album that packs a punch. The single producer really help my a very solid beat selection, keeping me always hooked to the songs. Jay-Z really seemed to have a lot to say, specially on the song 4:44, which is for me where the álbum starts. The songs before 4:44 seem to light headed, but when 4:44 came, he really went hard on the rest of the álbum, lyrical wise and even beat wise. Flow wise, i guess nothing much has changed with Jay-Z's magnificent way of giving character to his line through his flow.
    My top pics for this álbum are the songs 4:44, Family Feud and a draw between Bam/The Story of OJ    … Expand
  22. Fib3r
    Jul 1, 2017
    8
    In his most personal album yet, Jay Z proves that he has still got it after all these years. He brings up a lot of personal problems over some incredible beats. No I.D really killed it
  23. Dannybrownstan
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    Jay z proved himself to everyone that after 21 years since his masterpiece Reasonable Doubt he can still put out a quality project. With this album Jay comes as the objective goat, he has longetivity, never lost relevancy, has many quality projects and is a billionaire this album is great and an improvement to Mchg. Very focused album no filler and straight on point
  24. DayneScott
    Jul 1, 2017
    10
    Honest and Mature. Not what I was expecting, but pleasantly surprised. His best work in this decade ad also puts some things from Lemonade into perspective.
  25. mirzamoney
    Jul 3, 2017
    10
    Another potential modern day classic. I believe that we will look back at this album as one of Jays best in 8-10 years. Jays lyrics are, as always, almost flawless and accompanied by some of No IDs best beats in years which are a breath of fresh air in 2017.
  26. VinceBarter
    Jul 2, 2017
    10
    4:44 is the best album that Jay Z could have made at this stage of his life. He has said everything else in rap so now he makes a great album about anything he wants now. I loved the verse for Prince's statue.
  27. joaofelin
    Jul 10, 2017
    8
    Kill Jay Z - 6
    The Story of O.J. - 7
    Smile - 10
    Caught Their Eyes - 8
    4:44 - 8
    Family Feud - 8
    Bam - 9
    Moonlight - 8
    Marcy Me - 7
    Legacy - 7

    score: 7,8
  28. blasguarner444
    Jul 2, 2017
    10
    Jigga proves that he is a very versatile rapper, and his hip hoop career is solidified even more with an album that shows so many emotions and connects with you instantly. I loved every second of the album, and I hope that the three new songs from the physical copies are as good
  29. hotwheels2003
    Jul 3, 2017
    10
    his 13th studio album, HOV manages to leave music sxn in shambles once again, particularly Stringer221 who mad as ****
    loob
    YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG    his 13th studio album, HOV manages to leave music sxn in shambles once again, particularly Stringer221 who mad as ****
    loob

    YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff: YOUNG :jaylaff:    … Expand
  30. gocanucks1916
    Jul 3, 2017
    10
    This album is a modern classic. It reveals a more introspective, reflective man than any previous JAY-Z album. It's not the Blueprint, it's not Reasonable Doubt, but it's a masterpiece in it's own way. While it's a glimpse into Shawn Carter the person, it's also full of the lyricism and wordplay you expect from the GOAT. Like any Hov album, you have to listen multiple times and read theThis album is a modern classic. It reveals a more introspective, reflective man than any previous JAY-Z album. It's not the Blueprint, it's not Reasonable Doubt, but it's a masterpiece in it's own way. While it's a glimpse into Shawn Carter the person, it's also full of the lyricism and wordplay you expect from the GOAT. Like any Hov album, you have to listen multiple times and read the lyrics to really "get" it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2017
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Wire
    Oct 11, 2017
    60
    A few tracks stand apart: "Story Of OJ" and "Mercy Me" both impress for verve and venom if not his every chain of thought. Otherwise it's all so dry that after a couple of listens it feels more like spoken word. [Sep 2017, p.62]
  2. Record Collector
    Aug 17, 2017
    80
    A mere 36 minutes in length, it’s an all-killer no-filler triumph.
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  3. PopMatters
    Aug 14, 2017
    90
    Already one of the greatest rappers in history, this is the kind of late career artistic push that will cement Jay-Z’s place on rap’s Mount Rushmore. This is Jay-Z walking onto the stage alone, standing contritely in front of the world, and speaking from the heart, revealing himself in order to heal.
    Read full review
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