November 14, 2003 · JAY-Z assembled his planned retirement album as a tour through different versions of himself.
2003 – JAY-Z releases The Black Album
“December 4th” brings family recollection into the opening stretch. “99 Problems” puts him against Rick Rubin’s hard percussion and guitar, while “Public Service Announcement” uses a Just Blaze beat to turn a few opening bars into an entrance.
The producers give the album several distinct rooms to move through. Heard as a snapshot of Jay’s career at that point, the contrasts make sense: a writer looking back can still sound like he’s testing how far his voice will carry.
“Encore” sums up the exit strategy in musical terms, with a crowd-ready chorus and a vocal pitched toward the back row. The fact that Jay continued recording gives the track a second life as a document of a particular moment in his career.
Release date and album details · Listen to the album on Apple Music.
1982 – Boosie Badazz is born in Baton Rouge
Boosie’s Baton Rouge roots remained audible as he reached a wider audience through Trill Entertainment and records with Webbie. His sharp delivery gave street narratives and personal admissions an immediately recognizable sound. His birthday places a Louisiana milestone alongside JAY-Z’s planned retirement album.
Read next · Browse Today in Rap History or explore Raptology documentaries.
Natalia is a Rap and Hip Hop enthusiast. After graduating from The New School of New York’s Public Relations Program and taking a course in Journalism at Michigan State University, she decided to dedicate her life to the music publishing business and to the discovery of new talent. She helps new artists gain exposure to the masses via online marketing and publications.
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