Jay-Z's American Gangster

Jay-Z has been in the game for more than a while, much longer than the typical hip-hop or rap artist. His work has only gotten greater with time. His last album Kingdom Come had me cranking the bass up in my car. Not just anyone can be a gangster. He's the OG. His latest album American Gangster, made purely for the new Denzel Washington film, is yet another masterpiece.

The album starts out with a montage of clips from the film as well as his own friends speaking about what makes a true gangster. The album tells the story of the movie in rap form. I was afraid this would just be another sell-out album by another artist that I enjoyed, but as I pushed play and took a long, hard listen to the lyrics, it was evident that this wasn't just another soundtrack.

The song "Pray," featuring the one and only Beyonce, is one of the most powerful songs on the entire album. The song opens with the lines, "Deliver me from my enemies. Oh God. Defend me from those that rise up against me. Deliver me from the work of inequities; the savior from the blood of me." It gave me chills.

The record's sound takes an entirely different approach than the rest of his albums. It has an old school feel to it, but also holds up against the rap/hip-hop of today. Of course, there are the regular loops of background beats and the occasional repetitive chorus line, but throughout the album, there's something special. Lines from the movie, heartfelt lyrics and guest appearances by some of today's biggest names such as Kanye West, Beyonce, Lil' Wayne, Pharrell and Nas, make the album that much better.

This has to be one of the best albums of the year. Talk about a come back! Jay-Z has made yet another genius album for all of us to enjoy. You can find American Gangster at any CD joint in town. I highly suggest you hustle out and buy yourself a copy.

For more on Jay-Z, visit www.jayzonline.com.