Album Review:: Jay-Z - "American Gangster"

Jay-Z accomplishes what most of his contemporaries are unable to, create a captivating and entertaining listening experience, which purveys depth and substance via witty and clever wordplay (schememag)

Whenever a legend puts out a new record, his reputation is on the line. When several of your previous nine albums are leagues ahead of other artists’ “Greatest Hits” collections, it’s tough to recreate that magic. Unfortunately, Jay-Z shows signs of falling off in this tenth installment. (CornellSun)

Overall, the album plays out like a good movie, overly slick at times, but generally, a riveting experience....At this rate, a sequel might be in order. (prettymuchamazing)

(JayZ)..unquestionably delivers the goods — showcasing deft metaphors about his own ghetto ascension and an uncanny ear for dramatic sonic backdrops. (MSN)

If Jay can keep putting out records like "American Gangster" no one will be calling for his re-retirement anytime soon, so here's to hoping we don't have to wait for an American Gangster movie sequel to get another "American Gangster" like album. (Gooseninja)

There is no definitive radio smash hit present but that’s what keeps the project fresh. Jay goes from running the block to cornering the market without forcing the issue, leaving no need to question his G file. (AllHipHop)

American Gangster is better than 90% of the albums that were released this year in 2007 (KevinNottingham)

4 out of 5 stars (RollingStone)