Jay Z ultimately has it all. It's no surprise that his talent still shines in his last release: "Magna Carta... Holy Grail".
The double platinum 2013 album was a massive success. It peaked at number 1 in both the UK Top 40 Albums and US Billboard 200 selling 528,000 copies in the first week. The record was arguably one of the hottest albums of the year. Featuring a heavy arsenal of guests such as Justin Timberlake, Rick Ross, Frank Ocean, Nas and Pharrell it leaves Magna Carta standing as a heavyweight release.
The albums instrumentals are trap infused, dub bass, synthetic FX looped, experimental art. Much like Picasso would except with paint, Jay Z bends and breaks the surface, redefining sounds in order to create his personal visual vision.
Take the first track as a perfect example. Holy Grail starts in the style of a ballad with Justin Timberlake taking the lead. The instrumental is piano based and the strong vocals are sung in a melancholic melody. The chorus then kicks off an unexpected loop of 808s and synths. Jay leads the verses here on and features a Nirvana reference, singing lyrics from Smells Like Teen Spirit. Had Kurt Cobain been alive to hear this, I'm sure that he would approve even simply due to his love for freedom of expression and his creativity. This song is a masterpiece.
Tom Ford was carried as one of three singles from the album and is a personal favourite of mine. The track's deep bass will have your speakers pounding like a Haymaker. The song carries two unique sounds that really stick this track out there for me. The first is hard to put words to. It can only be described as a hip-hop xylophone beat in a large tin room with echoing acoustics. The second is a choppy, morphing 8-bit arcade style synth. They fit the song perfectly.
Oceans is another highlight from Magna Carta. Frank Ocean's voice is soothing to the ear as he sings his piece with perfection. His voice sounds both elegant and beautiful. Jay executes his bars with style and uses intriguing wordsmanship. It may not be a club smasher but it deserves a place on every playlist across the country for personal admiration of the songs beauty.
Further highlights from the album are F.U.T.W, Crown, Heaven, Part II (On The Run) which features his beautiful other half Beyoncé and the more personal JAY Z Blue.
Magna Carta Holy Grail is a wonder from start to finish and certainly deserves a place on any hip-hop fans shelf. For those who are open to expanding their musical tastes, this should be an album you try. Jay Z has produced a masterful album of art that needs exhibited to the masses.
You can purchase Magna Carta Holy Grail right here!
Until next time folks, i'm heading to Somewhereinamerica.
What did you think of the album? Let me know in the comments.
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