Album Info
| Artist: | Jay-Z |
| Album: | Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life |
| Released: | Europe, 2014 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Intro - Hand It Down | 2:56 |
| Featuring - Pain In Da Ass | ||
| Producer - DJ Premier | ||
| A2 | Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) | 3:58 |
| Producer - The 45 King | ||
| A3 | If I Should Die | 4:55 |
| Featuring - Da Ranjahz | ||
| A4 | Ride Or Die | 4:48 |
| Producer - Stevie J | ||
| B1 | Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99) | 3:53 |
| Featuring - Big Jaz | ||
| Producer - Timbaland | ||
| Vocals - Amil | ||
| B2 | Money, Cash, Hoes | 4:46 |
| Featuring - DMX | ||
| B3 | A Week Ago | 5:00 |
| Featuring - Too Short | ||
| Producer - J-Runnah | ||
| C1 | Coming Of Age (Da Sequel) | 4:21 |
| Featuring - Memphis Bleek | ||
| C2 | Can I Get A... | 5:09 |
| Featuring - Amil, Ja Rule | ||
| Producer - Irv Gotti, Lil' Rob | ||
| C3 | Paper Chase | 4:34 |
| Featuring - Foxy Brown | ||
| Producer - Timbaland | ||
| D1 | Reservoir Dogs | 5:19 |
| Co-producer - Darold trotter | ||
| Featuring - Beanie Sigel, Sauce Money, The LOX | ||
| Producer - Erick Sermon | ||
| D2 | It's Like That | 3:45 |
| Featuring - Kid Capri | ||
| Producer - Kid Capri | ||
| Vocals - Liz Leite | ||
| D3 | It's Alright | 4:01 |
| Featuring - Memphis Bleek | ||
| Producer - Damon Dash, Mahogany | ||
| D4 | Money Ain't A Thang | 4:13 |
| Featuring - Jermaine Dupri | ||
| Producer - Jermaine Dupri |
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Description
Jay-Z's third studio album, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, released on September 29, 1998, stands as a pivotal moment in his career and in the landscape of late '90s hip-hop. This album not only solidified Jay-Z's status as a major player in the rap game but also brought his music to a broader audience, thanks in part to its commercial success and the iconic title track.
The album's lead single, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)", is instantly recognisable with its clever sampling of the Broadway musical Annie. The juxtaposition of the children's chorus with Jay-Z's gritty lyrics about life in the streets creates a powerful contrast that resonated with listeners. It's a track that captures the essence of the album: a blend of raw storytelling and mainstream appeal.
Production-wise, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life features contributions from some of the most prominent producers of the time, including Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and DJ Premier. Each brings their unique style to the table, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive sound. Tracks like "Money, Cash, Hoes" and "Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)" showcase Swizz Beatz's energetic and innovative beats, while "A Week Ago" benefits from Timbaland's signature production style, complementing Jay-Z's reflective lyrics.
Lyrically, Jay-Z is at the top of his game on this album. He balances braggadocio with introspection, offering a glimpse into his life and the challenges he's faced. Songs like "A Week Ago", featuring Too $hort, delve into themes of loyalty and betrayal, while "Reservoir Dogs" is a lyrical showcase featuring a posse cut with The LOX, Beanie Sigel, and Sauce Money.
The album was a commercial juggernaut, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and eventually being certified 5× Platinum by the RIAA. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 1999, further cementing its place in hip-hop history. Beyond its accolades, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life marked a turning point for Jay-Z, propelling him from a respected rapper to a global superstar.
Listening to the album today, it's clear why it had such an impact. The production still holds up, and Jay-Z's lyrics remain sharp and compelling. It's an album that captures a moment in time while also showcasing the timeless qualities of Jay-Z's artistry. For fans of hip-hop, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life is not just an essential listen—it's a testament to the genre's ability to evolve and reach new heights.
