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

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  1. MikeyM
    Dec 14, 2003
    5
    Half the songs are good half are bad it basically a half ass way to go out.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Vibe
    90
    It's monumental because it's a culmination of Jigga's natural thoughtfulness delivered with transcendent skill. [Jan 2004, p.120]
  2. Launch.com
    90
    There are better storytellers, there are better battle rappers, there are undoubtedly rhymers with more on their minds. But there isn't a better MC around, if you're talking about the art of sheer mic domination.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    80
    Even in falling short of Jay's classics, Reasonable Doubt and 2001's The Blueprint, it manages to eclipse 1999's brilliant Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter as his third-best album-- which in itself still makes it one of the year's best.
    Read full review
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