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On November 6, Jay-Z will release the new album 'American Gangster.'
In announcing the project Def Jam brass were specific in noting that the opus is separate from the official motion picture soundtrack and is a collection of all-new original material inspired by the Denzel Washington/Russell Crowe film.
"A musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the [movie]" is how it was summed up by a label rep.
"It was like I was watching the film, and putting it on pause, and giving a back story to the story," the near 40-year-old rap veteran said about the project which traces the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, one of New York City's most renowned drug lords of the 1970s.
The Ridley Scott-directed flick will arrive in theaters on Nov. 2, and was filmed in New York City last fall.
The recording aspect of the project came together over the last few weeks, after Jay-Z (legally known as Shawn Carter) felt inspired after seeing the gritty and grainy film. "It immediately clicked with me," he told The New York Times. "Like 'Scarface,' or any one of those films, you take the good out of it, and you can see it as an inspiring film."
Jay-Z's last album, 'Kingdom Come,' was released less than a year ago. It sold 1.5 million copies and was considered (by some) a commercial disappointment.
Comments: (58)
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By: gimmeabreak on 9/22/2007 12:11PM
I thought he retired from the rap game? There comes a time when you're just too old to be rapping about hoes, bling and gangstas. J.....YOU'RE TOO OLD!
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By: Bighurt on 9/22/2007 12:51PM
Jay-Z is one of the greatest of all-time if he wants to drop 10 more albums I would support each and every one in my eyes he is only second to Biggie
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By: Miss-E on 9/22/2007 3:34PM
I support Jay 100%. I love everything he drop, so when his new album comes out, I will be at the store getting it. Young or Old, if you have the skills to still put out some hot stuff, then go for it........Peace
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By: blaqgod on 9/22/2007 5:29PM
C'mon J. I know you can still manipulate the little minds of the hip hop of the generation, but lets start focusing on more important business ventures. I love it man that you've taken it to another level. But you know what, I ain't mad at you because this sad generation needs a positive influence in their lives. Hail Jigga
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By: L.A.TIMES on 9/22/2007 7:10PM
C'mon J wasn't it you who said "no chrome on the wheels, I'm a grown up 4real" rap (more so 2day) is a young mans game, you need to hang it up and continue to get money in more adult avenues.
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By: BootySnatcher on 9/22/2007 9:10PM
NOTE TO JAY-Z: HOE SIT DOWN!!!
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By: jj the bronx on 9/23/2007 12:06AM
jay you keep doing what you do you love it not time for you to stop yet smile
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By: Knowledge on 9/23/2007 12:26PM
Denzel Washington
What a Great man to learn from Cheers. I Love him myself
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By: E on 9/25/2007 10:33PM
For anyone to say Jay is too old to be in the game KILL IT PLEASE! The man is a lyrical genius WHY would he stop now? I love anything that Jay Z does he is the truth and I cannot wait for the next album to drop. Jay keep doing what you do!
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By: lilkunta on 9/25/2007 7:36PM
What? Didnt he retire?
His last album( 21 nov 06)aint sell.. what happen 2 him being 'on my grown man tip'? 1.5 mill aint big for the self proclaimed 'rap king' ( fck that Pac is the king!)
Y is he doing another album?
AG just finished filming & is still being edited so how did JZ get 2 c it 2 be "inspired" from the movie & from/by Denzel's acting in it?
Or was J inspired by the real man Frank Lucas?
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