Jay Z's American Gangster is a classic rap album. This is not to say that the album should be considered a classic the way Reasonable Doubt or Blueprint are classic albums. American Gangster is a very good album that should be considered "classic rap" the same way stuff from AC-DC and Van Halen is now considered
classic rock." Because the album is kinda based on the movie of the same name, it goes for a 70s feel. However, the album which is about half produced by Puffy and The reformed Hitmen who where responsible for a lot of classic production in the mid 90s really has a 90s feel to it. Because of that fact, the album sounds really good, but it never really gives you the "holy shit chills" at any point the way a true classic rap album should upon the first few listens. The album is pretty consistent though and the tracks Roc Boys, Ignorant Shit, and Hello Brooklyn 2.0 are stand outs. In should be noted Hello Brooklyn 2.0 is performed by the greatest rapper alive, but also features the greatest rapper alive as a guest. If you don't know how that is possible, then you have not been following hip hop the past few years. Overall Grade: B