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. 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.
  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.
  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. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. hamidwaziri
    Jul 1, 2017
    10
    Dope Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album DopeDope Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album Dope album Dope albumDope albumDope albumDope album… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. KripBop
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    he has grown as an artist and prove fatal songs are storng cohesive contextual and talent plus a big improvements from 2013 magna holy but on one note it still lacks a bit of acclaim of his early career albums but may possibly go down as a classic after many years but not straight however it remains one of his best even better than bp3 and watch the throne
  15. JHEERDT
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    Loved it. Felt like Jay's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". I found that he was honest with himself, and honest with the audience on every track. The production was incredible, No I.D. really put forth some memorable music. Seems that Jay took ownership of his actions through his music.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. cheiry4
    Jun 21, 2018
    10
    Best album released in 2017! Love how personal this album....Hov is the GOAT
  22. erujabidi
    Apr 7, 2020
    10
    jay was back on this project. deserves much more recognition than it gets to be honest. hope to hear more from him. 4:44 is gonna be a grower for years to come
  23. Tammie
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    It's a masterpiece! You know, this is amazing!!!
  24. belzebu
    Nov 20, 2022
    10
    the one and only gooooooaaaaaaat of NY, Nas ain't even a shoe of jaaaay and if you think differently you're just duuumb
  25. Ricko
    Nov 4, 2018
    9
    This is up there with Jay-Z's, who for me is a genius, best work. A collection of influences come together to make an album that is innovative, tackles deeply personal themes yet at the same time is ear catching and inspiring. For an artist of Jay-Z's stature to open himself up to this extent at this point in his career and life is staggering. 4.44 is an album that has everything.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. funkyhomosapien
    Jun 30, 2017
    9
    Jay-Z's best album since long time.No weak tracks, all high quality rapping by Jay-Z himself and brilliant production by No ID.Hov shows us why he's a rap legend.
  30. djdenzel777
    Jun 30, 2017
    9
    Jay-z has managed to release one of his best albums at the age of 47. The beat selection is fantastic, and the lyricism, emotion, and delivery is almost flawless.
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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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