Jay-Z Best Of Both Worlds CD

 Definitely the Best of Both Worlds
One of the most anticipated compact discs of this year is rumored to be slated for release on March 20, 2002. The original release date was March 26, 2002, however a numerous amount of copies have somehow made their way to the streets for sale. I myself was able to purchase a copy of this exceptional album on March 17. Appropriately titled, "The Best of Both Worlds," this work of art contains 13 hot tracks produced by Shawn Carter (Jay-Z), R. Kelly and Tone. There are not many guest appearances (which is the norm now for R & B/Hip Hop/Rap tracks), limited to those by Beanie Sigel (Green Light), Lil' Kim (Shake ya Body), and Devin the Dude (P***Y). There is a splendid mix of sweet R & B tracks with a touch of the hypnotic lyrics that Jay-Z is known for, along with the bass bumping, get the party hype, booty shaking tracks that we have grown to expect from Jigga (Jay-Z). Consumers can look forward to these tracks on either 3/20 or 3/26: 1. The Best of Both Worlds 2. Take you home with me A.K.A. Body 3. Break up to make up 4. It ain't personal 5. The Streets 6. Green Light feat. Beanie Sigel 7. Naked 8. Shake ya body feat. Lil' Kim 9. Somebody's Girl 10. Get this money 11. Shorty 12. Honey 13. P***Y Feat. Devin the Dude The first track is an slow introduction that dedicates the album to all the "fallen soldiers" (i.e. Aaliyah, and the Notorious B.I.G.), while the second track is a more up tempo tribute to the woman's body and all that the two artists would like to do it. Track number three is more R. Kellyish song about making love after an argument; it's an excellent example of the storytelling capabilities of a well written song. Track number four is a slower ballad detailing the struggle with friends making the transition from poor to having money. The fifth track really showcases the extraordinary talent of both of the featured artists, it is a call to all those living a rough life not to let their environment hold them down. The six is the only song that could have been skipped. R. Kelly raps in a sing song voice and takes a stab at fellow R&B artist Sisqo of Dru Hill (Def Jam). Number seven is nearly an acappella . . .definitely for the couples. Song number eight is a booty shaker featuring Lil' Kim where Jay-Z proclaims himself "the hardest rapper" and R. Kelly "John Gotti". . .definitely worth riding to. Number nine is a track letting men know that they need to take care of their girls or they will stray in a club setting. Track number ten is the one of the current singles from the album that will definitely make the listener want to dance and presents the lyrical talents of Jigga. Eleven is a track detailing about all the pretty girls around the world and is a bit explicit. Track twelve the other single from the album features a bit of howelling, it's quite interesting with a very catchy chorus, expressing how hard it is to chose between girls and "the game". The final track is VERY explicit, so explicit that the title had to be asterisked (even on the C.D.), lets just say it is a testimony of how powerful the effect of a woman's vagina is on a man. This C.D. is an excellent display of how talented R. Kelly and Jay-Z are together. . .in their respective genres. R. Kelly dangerously crosses the line between singer and rapper. . . unsuccessfully. Jay-Z however realizes his limits and does not dare sing a note on this album. Overall I will give this effort 5 stars out of 5, definitely worth spending the money for. The only thing that upsets me is there are only 13 tracks included, but there are about 6 more tracks floating around that are rumored not to have made the final cut. This collaboration between the two artists is great and produces such chemistry that we want more! Hopefully we can expect to receive additional hot songs in the future. The album does have a parental advisory warning, and rightfully so. The content is definitely for mature audiences, some of the lyrics make me blush and I would not play it in front of my mother. R. Kelly commented on the album at a joint press conference last week at New York's Waldorf-Astoria, "This album is not Disneyland," he said. "It's up to the parents to bring the kids up the way they should." Fans can expect a tour this summer featuring both artists, the scheduling is currently in the works for the chart topping duo. Great Music to Play While: Driving
Submitted by rhunda (Purdue University)
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