Jigga what? Jigga who? BY SARINA MCELROY

It was less than a year ago that Jay-Z released his last album, Vol. 3- The Life and Times ofS. Carter, which was the number one on the Billboard charts at the start of 2000. "Don't let the speed fool you. We put out albums in seven months, eight months, whatever - we' re definitely putting our heart and soul into it. This album right here is so strong and so powerful, I might have to put out ten singles for y'all." That is all Jay-Z needs to describe his new album. On Halloween day the world got the first taste of the latest release from Jigga. The Dynasty: Roe La Familia 2000 is definitely a must have for not only Jay-Z fans, but anyone. This album covers everything from the spectacular beat of the intro, to the fun-flow of"I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)," to the slow-heartfelt stories told in "This Can't Be Life." Only Jay-Z can capture his honest feelings, put them to song, and have you as the listener get a good taste of what he has gone through. Even if you have never experienced the things he talks about, his words are enough to make you truly understand how it feels and makes you take a second look at your life. The most amazing thing about Jay-Z is the fact that he is considered a "ghostwriter". When he walks into the studio to start recording, he doesn't have the lyrics pre-written. He'll go into the studio, listen to the beat of the song, and then just start spitting out lyrics. He can go in without anything, hear the beat of the song, and just flow to it. "It's a gift," he says. That is the main reason that it doesn't take Jay-Z very long before he releases his next album. "There is no point in sitting on material," Jay-Z says. Which is very true. A lot of artists, when they have a hit song, will try and push that song for as long as they can and in.the end that .will be their downfall. But Ja -Z is alwa s comin out with something new, and you can bet that it will always be a hit. Jay-Z's first album Reason­ music and the lyrics to paint a picture able Doubt came out in 1996. It con­ in your head and make you feel as if tained such hits as "Friend or Foe," you were going through it with him. "Can't Knock the Hustle" and "Dead · However, The Dynasty: Roe Presidents II," and gave the world La Familia 2000 is somewhat ofa mix­ their first glimpse of the man who ture of all of his past albums. After lis­ would soon create the Roe-A-Fella tening to the CD, 13outofthe16tracks empire. In 1997 the world was hit by were great songs, songs that take you Vol. 1 - In My Lifetime, containing hits inside the life of Jay-Z and songs that like "The City Is Mine," "Streets Is are just great to dance to. His fellow Watching," and "Sunshine." His next Roe-A-Fella family members, show­ album Vol. 2-HardKnockLifecame casing their talents along with Jay-Z's, out in 1998. In my opinion this is Jay­ mostly dominate the tracks, while DJ z' s best album, containing his biggest Tracks Clue provides the stylish beats on most hits, "Hard Knock Life," "Jigga What, I. "Intro" of the tracks. Of course, anyone who Jigga Who," "Can l Get A ... ," and 2. "Change the Game" knows me knows that I am one of the "Money Ain't A Thang." Last Decem­ biggest Jay-Z fans, but this guaranteed­ 3. "I Just Wanna Love U" platinum album is definitely one of Jay­ ber Jay-Z released Vol. 3 - The Life 4. "Streets Is Talking" and Times of S. Carter. This album Z' s best albums, right up there with Vol. contained more songs that you 5. "This Can't Be Life" 2-Hard Knock Life. Even if you don't couldn't really dance to than before. feat. Scarface like rap music, I think this is an album Only two singles were released from 6. "Get Your Mind Right Marni" where anyone could find a song that this album, "Do It Again" and "Big they could relate to. Whether you just feat. Snoop Dogg simply fall for the beat of the amazing Pimpin" which were basically the only 7. "Stick 2 the Script" two songs on the album that had a "Intro" that could make anyone feel the good enough beat that could be played 8. "You, Me, Him and Her" music, or you can relate to the heartfelt in a club. Don't get me wrong, the 9. "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" messages found in "This Can't Be other songs on the album were good feat. R. Kelly Life", this is a CD that everyone should too, but very few of them were songs give a chance. "This is food for thought, 10. "Parking Lot Pimpin"' you do the dishes." that you could dance to, which is un­ 11. "Holla" usual for Jay-Z. Other songs on the album, such as "Dope Man," take you 12. "1-900-Hustler" deep into Jay-Z's past when he was 13. "The R.O.C." forced to live the life ofa drug dealer 14. "Soon You'll Understand" just to help support his mother and 15. "Squeeze First" siblings. Again, even if you had never 16. "Where Have You Been" experienced that, he could use the ...-....--..;;.;;.;;;,;;;;;,;,;;..;;.;;.;;;.;--. .... __ _. Page 6 The Quaker November 2000