The Black Album "unveiled"

After months of secrecy, Jay-Z treated members of the press to an intimate preview of two thirds of his Black Album at Baseline Studios in New York yesterday. The cuts, displaying a diverse roster of named and obscure producers, hold the promise of an exciting release for not only fans of Jay-Z, but fans of Hip-Hop's last twenty years.

As Young Guru handled the boards, Hov unveiled 8 tracks out of the final 12 cuts featured on The Black Album. Out of Jay's initial wish list, The Neptunes, Rick Rubin, Just Blaze, Eminem, Timbaland and Kanye West all made the cut. On the other hand, unexpected new comers such as the Bucannons, a BK producing squad and Aqua found their way onto Hov's farewell LP. Young also revealed that DJ Premier will not be featured on the LP while it's still a mystery whether Dr. Dre or DJ Quik produced any of the remaining four songs. As for 9th Wonder's contribution, Jay told the press he would make them wait to hear the track, hinting that Little Brother's producer has indeed made the final cut.

Once again, the bulk of Young's production featured heavily soulful soundscapes. Mr. Carter began the session with "December 4th," a cut that features his mother on the intro and the hooks. As Just Blaze lit the drums and sample, Mrs. Carter fondly recounts her son's evolution, from December 4th when he was born weighing 10lbs, 8 ounces all the way through his first bike, his love of sports and his separation from his father.

"He didn't give me any pain when I gave birth to him...and that's how I knew he was a special child," Mrs. Carter spoke over the bass-laden track.

While the LP isn't a return to Reasonable Doubt, the Rick Rubin produced "99 Problems" is reminiscent of Run DMC's early rock infused sound. Yet, before anyone could misconceive Hov's use of the word beeyatch in the song, he quickly clarified the content.

"In the first verse, I'm using beeyatch as naggin, the second verse as a canine, and the third verse it's like someone being soft," Jay-Z said as the crowd erupted in laughter.

Other standouts include The Neptunes laced "Change Clothes," which is the lead single, Kanye West's "Encore," the Eminem crafted, "A Moment of Clarity" and "My First Song," which is ironically the LP's last track.

On the lyrical side of things, Jay's content mirrored previous classics with a bit of introspection here, a dash of braggadocio there, rounded off with some innovative concepts and a surprising homage to a few authentic rap players. On "Moment of Clarity," S. Dot spits, "truth be told lyrically I'd probably be Talib Kweli / truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense." Besides giving props to the Okayplayers, Hov also mentioned Kool G. Rap and Clark Kent in a series of lyrical salutes to rappers he appreciates.

After playing selections from the LP, Jay answered questions on his creative process and his reasons for retiring. "I got my inspiration from Big," Hov revealed. "I got my inspiration from hearing 'Who Shot Ya,' but I was trying to make a different song, a hotter song."

Like many veterans, Jay has seemingly grown tired of Hip-Hop's recycled concepts and uninspired fables. In fact, he hopes that by leaving, the remaining players will be forced to innovate and bring fresh concepts to the currently flat hip-hop landscape. "Hopefully, if they don't have someone to follow, they'll have to make their own thing, they'll make their songs."

The Black Album is undoubtedly a deep look at Jay-Z before fame, success and Reasonable Doubt. "I just conjured up memories....it's all real life," he remarked when asked by SOHH how it was to go back after coming so far. "Since I was writing a book, it was already there."

And Jay finally offered a detailed response to the ultimate question - "What happens after The Black Album?" "I wanted to just put the album out [and leave] but my partners were like...for all that money we gave you..." he chuckled. So, fans of Jay-Z can rest assured -- though November 28th may be Black Friday - you can look out for his final music video and performances on the newly announced Rock The Mic 2 tour before he truly fades to black.