Fifteen years ago, JAY-Z released his classic, eighth studio album, The Black Album, which received rave reviews from critics and inspired today’s generation of rappers. To celebrate the anniversary, TIDAL has released articles featuring insights from the project’s contributors as well as an interview with co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, Kareem “Biggs” Burke and an essay penned by Roc Nation signee, Jay Park.
Gloria Carter, Timbaland, Cedric The Entertainer, Just Blaze and more reflect back on the album here: http://read.tidal.com/article/contributors-of-the-black-album-speak; some standout quotes can be found below
“You have touched lives and have helped young people achieve their full potential. Keep doing what you do, so proud!” – Gloria Carter, JAY-Z’s mom on “December 4th
“JAY challenges me to create great music that matches his masterful flow. The session for “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” was no different, but as soon as everyone heard that beat, the energy exploded and we knew it was going to be a big one.” – Timbaland, producer on “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
“I was in the studio listening to JAY and he was recording the album and working on the song “Threat.” I had actually tried to pitch him an idea from Beverly Hills Cop, like, “Is this the man who did this and that for hip-hop?” He was like, “Yo that’s funny, but I need something that’s like threats; that’s almost like a mad rapper.” He left and I was in the studio with Guru and started recording all these ideas, never thinking I was going to make the album. He called me a little while later and told me I made it. It was exciting, and so that’s how I made The Black Album. It was dope.” – Cedric The Entertainer, additional vocals on “Threat”
Kareem “Biggs” Burke talks about his experience as the co-executive producer on the album here: http://read.tidal.com/article/kareem-biggs-burke-black-album
Jay Park explains why The Black Album is one of his favorite albums here: http://read.tidal.com/article/jay-park-black-album
© 2018, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
