Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
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Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life is the third album released by rapper Jay-Z. The album propelled Jay-Z into superstar status and cemented him as a household name. It also helped him emerge as an extremely dominant force in the post Biggie/Tupac era of hip hop. This album also won the Grammy award for Best Rap Album in 1999.
It received lukewarm reviews from critics and hip-hop purists who felt his aims to be a crossover success had compromised the quality and complexity of his music. It was also criticized for its numerous guest appearances. However, it received a near-perfect 4.5(out of 5)mics from The Source.
Several tracks on this album feature a rougher sound than the glossier Bad Boy production on In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, most notably the three tracks produced by Ruff Ryders beatmaker Swizz Beatz. With the exception of Stevie J on "Ride or Die," Bad Boy producers play no role in Vol. 2, though Jay-Z enlisted Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, Bob "Sturminator" Sturm, and Irv Gotti for a more pop-oriented sound on three of the albums' singles.
Contents |
[edit] Track listing
| # | Title | Length | Producer(s) | Featured guest(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Intro: Hand It Down" | 2:56 | DJ Premier | Memphis Bleek |
| 2 | "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" | 3:59 | The 45 King | |
| 3 | "If I Should Die" | 4:55 | Swizz Beatz | Da Ranjahz |
| 4 | "Ride or Die" | 4:48 | Steven "Stevie J" Jordan The Hitmen | |
| 5 | "Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)" | 3:53 | Timbaland | Big Jaz |
| 6 | "Money, Cash, Hoes" | 4:46 | Swizz Beatz | DMX |
| 7 | "A Week Ago" | 5:01 | J-Runnah | Too Short |
| 8 | "Coming of Age (Da Sequel)" | 4:21 | Swizz Beatz | Memphis Bleek |
| 9 | "Can I Get A..." | 5:10 | Irv Gotti & Lil’ Rob | Amil & Ja Rule |
| 10 | "Paper Chase" | 4:35 | Timbaland | Foxy Brown |
| 11 | "Reservoir Dogs" | 5:19 | Erick Sermon; Co-produced by Darold Trotter | The Lox, Beanie Sigel, & Sauce Money |
| 12 | "It's Like That" | 3:45 | Kid Capri | Kid Capri |
| 13 | "It's Alright" | 4:02 | Damon Dash & Mahogany | Memphis Bleek |
| 14 | "Money Ain't a Thang" | 4:14 | Jermaine Dupri | Jermaine Dupri |
[edit] Samples
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
- "It's a Hard Knock Life" from Annie
A Week Ago
- "Ballad for the Fallen Soldier" by The Isley Brothers
Reservoir Dogs
- "Theme from Shaft" by Isaac Hayes
- "24- Carat Black (Theme)" by 24 Carat Black
- "Know How" by Young MC
It's Like That
- "Beggar's Song" by Wet Willie
It's Alright
- "The Hall of Mirrors" by Kraftwerk
- "Once In a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
Money Ain't a Thang
- "Weak at the Knees" by Steve Arrington
[edit] Chart positions
[edit] Album
| Chart (1998) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums | 1 |
| Canadian Albums Chart | 13 |
[edit] Singles
| Year | Song | Billboard Hot 100 | Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | Hot Rap Singles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | "Can I Get A..." | 19 | 6 | 22 |
| "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" | 15 | 10 | 2 | |
| 1999 | "Money, Cash, Hoes" | 116 | 36 | 19 |
| "Jigga What, Jigga Who" | 84 | 23 | 19 |
| Preceded by The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill |
Billboard 200 number-one album October 17, 1998 – November 20, 1998 |
Succeeded by Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie by Alanis Morissette |
[edit] External links
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