In My Lifetime Vol. 1 (4 mics, with the exception of 3 songs, you know what they are if you own this album, this album is excellent, even with the things Jay-Z was going through during the making of the album, otherwise, it's great, and "Streets is Watching," "Imaginary Player", "Friend Or Foe 98", "You Must Love Me" and the album's BEST track "Where I'm From" make this album worthwhile)

Vol.2...Hard Knock Life (3 mics, classic? hell no, the title track, "Nigga What Nigga Who", "Money, Cash, Hoes", and "A Week Ago" are bangers, the rest of the album is boring for the most part and it lost SERIOUS points with me because nearly EVERY song featured another artist)

Vol.3...Life and Times of S.Carter (2 mics, seriously, his most disappointing album, nuff said, preview this album BEFORE purchase)

The Dyansty Roc La Familia (4 mics, excellent album, he mananged to try and make stars out of Beanie, Bleek, and Amil, guess who it worked for, otherwise, he offered some gems on this one, check out "Streets Is Talking", "Stick 2 Da Script", and "Parking Lot Pimping")

The Blueprint (5 mics, released on 9/11/01, the day I bought it, this album is CLASSIC, with one misstep (Jigga That Nigga), he did the majority of SOLO, and made one hell of an album)

MTV Unplugged (Jay-Z LIVE, nuff said)

Blueprint 2...The Gift and The Curse (4 mics, excellent double album from him, with some filler that should not have made the album)

The Black Album (4 and a half mics, IF this is his last one, and I believe it is, what a way to go out)

But back this Reasonable Doubt classic, BUY THIS NOW if you don't own it. It's worth your time and money.

Album Highlights: THE ENTIRE LP except Can I Live II (bonus track), and Ain't No Nigga (jigga rips it but Foxy is unbearable)


Masterful, Powerful, and Absolutely Brilliant   June 16, 2002
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Jay-Z reveals his true genius in this album. I was hooked on Jay-Z after hearing Volume 1 in a friend's car back in 1997, which is actually an underrated album. I didn't listen to Reasonable Doubt until 2000, and the funny thing is, I didn't realize how great it was until about a year later, after listening to it over and over. The songs are dark and deep. This is a strangely innovative album, because of the production. For example, 22 Two's is nothing I have ever heard before, and overall the piano dominated beats are so different from what you'll usually hear on a hip-hop record. The lyrics are amazing. There are many themes that run throughout the album, including focus, determination, and justice.

In my opinion, the best tracks are (in this order): 1) D'evils, 2) Can I Live (the first verse is incredible), 3) Bring it on (Jay's verse is abstract), 4) Brooklyn's Finest, 5) Can't Knock the Hustle, 6) 22 Twos (the first verse is awesome), 7) Coming of Age (the Jay/Bleek exchange is very original and effective), and then 8) Can I live II. 9) Dead Presidents.

The reason why D'evils is a classic is because of the message, and because of the piano. The message is that if you wish to be successful in any endeavor, you should be willing to do whatever it takes, including lie. A secondary theme in that song is that friends grow apart due to disparity in success. But what makes that song great is how the message is delivered - the rhymes that he chooses.

If you are a music fan (not necessariy a hip-hop fan, but a music fan), or a lover of language and expression, get this album.


Stunning   February 14, 2004
W. C Donovan (Boston, MA)
43 out of 54 found this review helpful

Let me start by saying I'm a white guy, and a not-cool one at that. I've only recently started beefing up my Hip Hop collection, with my last purchase being "Illmatic" by Nas, which is amazing. This album is right there.

The lyricism and poetry imbued in all these tracks is insanely good. "Politics As Usual," "Brooklyn's Finest," and everything else on this disc is the stuff of an ambitious genius. I don't know much, but I know there's no way it got any better for Jay-Z than "Reasonable Doubt."

I've been turned off by the corporate crap that apparently clutters many of his subsequent releases (especially that annoying sample of "It's a Hard Knock Life"....UGH). But "Reasonable Doubt" showcases an ARTIST at the peak of his powers. A lot can be said of ambition, and Jay-Z had it. Let's hope he gets it back.

Until then, sit back, turn up the volume, and let the beats and poetry from this classic debut put it on you, as it did me.


ReaL hip-hop!   October 12, 2004
Mickey Stem (Rocky Mountains, Coloroda)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is real unlike g-unit,eminem,chingy,lil jon and the other losers today here is the top 5

1.Brooklyn's Finest feat. Biggie (CLASSIC!!)
2.Aint No (...)feat. Foxy Brown And Jaz-O
3.Cant Knock The Hustle
4.Dead Presidents
5.Coming Of Age
this is a true hip-hop classic every song is great and NO! need to press the skip button! just keep playing every song is great


EASILY His BEST Album!   October 22, 2001
Enlightened (In Da A)
22 out of 27 found this review helpful

Before Jay-Z was Jay-Z he was Jay-Z. Confused? You should be. Listening to this album and then listening to his later releases will have you wondering what happened. Youll be confused as to why he switced up his music. Was it the money or the fame? Anyway this album is the Instant Classic album from Jay-Z. He has no other classic albums dont be mistaken. This album blows his other efforts outta the water.

Duet with Mary. J. Blige is just so laid back adn effortless( dont confuse with no effort) and tizight. Politics As Usual has tight beat and flow from Jay-Z. As a matter of fact all of the songs have great lyrics and flows from Jay. The beats are street and hardcore while being mellow at the same time. Songs like Brooklyn's Finest, D'evils, Feeling It, Friend Or Foe etc. display these qualities. 22 Two's is the song that shows Jay-Z cleverness and prowess on the mic. Can I Live is GREAT song adn it is a must hear, very introspective. Aint No ..., which samples It's My Thing from EPMD, adn Coming of Age are more classic songs.

My favorite song is Dead President's with its classic Nas sample, haunting beat and superior lyrics.

To Conclude, this album cant even be considered a classic........but a rare masterpiece that can never be duplicated. There are a bunch of classic lp's but how often do you come across a masterpiece? A Must Buy.