The Black Album
by Jay-Z
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 14, 2003
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Stylus Magazine
    51
    Review 1: The Black Album’s failings fall upon Jay-Z’s shoulders as much as his producers. [Score=64] Review 2: The majority of the beats here are mediocre. [Score=38]
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  2. The Guardian
    40
    For all the dark wordplay, the album is an aural equivalent of that old American favourite, the schmaltzy biopic.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Album of 2003
19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2003
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 239 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 224 out of 239
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 239
  3. Negative: 12 out of 239
  1. Mcritic19
    Aug 22, 2011
    10
    This album is amazing. This is still my favorite rap album to date and is one of the best I've ever heard. Jay Z was trying to retire with aThis album is amazing. This is still my favorite rap album to date and is one of the best I've ever heard. Jay Z was trying to retire with a bang and he did just that. This is Jay Z's best album. The production was amazing, the lyrics were on point and we heard every jay Z. Classic and new.… Full Review »
  2. Mercha12
    May 11, 2021
    10
    Brilliant album. He was really ahead of his time with this one. Jay z is the Goat of rap.
  3. clem666
    Mar 20, 2021
    8
    Impressive cocktail of iconic tracks. Jay-Z is surely not the best lyricist, storyteller nor rhymer but he clearly is hell of an entertainer.Impressive cocktail of iconic tracks. Jay-Z is surely not the best lyricist, storyteller nor rhymer but he clearly is hell of an entertainer. Production featuring Eminem, Kanye West and Just Blaze is not perfect but catchy and dark as it used some clever samples. The presence of The Neptunes (and by extension of Pharrell Williams) makes the artistic direction change and definitely contributes to give more variety to the album.

    Jay-Z made this project a classic with some clever, gangsta-like and funny lines even if some others sound way too ego-centered. His flow is inseparable of the beat and always perfeclty fits the rhythm. 'The Black Album' certainly helped to give Jay-Z the charismatic image he has today.    … Full Review »
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