… Then there is American Gangster: the concept album.

The press and the praise, much has been said about this album (read all about it). I respect this unified effort, sold only as a complete album (no iTunes), and find it to be a very good one. The album production is first rate, fairly cohesive, and Jay-Z does come up with some unbelievable rhyme patterns. Yet, I must say, the themes aren’t exactly fresh or coming from a new perspective. Even Jay-Z sounds bored on a couple of songs. The vibrancy, dexterity, and delivery on the title track, that’s where it’s at:

“Prodigal child, y’all not ready for the future. Then I disappear in the Bermuda Triangle. My name will be viewed as such, ‘Here’s to the man that refused to give up.’ I want the sky, nigga.”

More please…