JAY-Z gets optimistic on “Smile,” a soulful number from 4:44 that samples Stevie Wonder’s 1976 cut “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” Dominated by a voice sample, which appears throughout, and 808 drums, “Smile is a relatively sparse and straightforward backdrop that displays No I.D.’s brilliance as a boards man on what is the longest song on Hov’s album. While the song itself is one of the most boisterous offerings, “Bam” falls short when compared to the more refined compositions by No I.D.

Interpolating dancehall legend Sister Nancy’s signature record “Bam Bam,” “Bam” also includes a sample of “Tenement Yard” by Jacob Miller, as well as live instrumentation, including electric pianos, guitars, synths, and various horns, all of which add to the sonic explosion.

However, “Bam” is the alternative, a festive jam that finds Hov reverting back to JAY-Z and talking greasy over the No I.D.-produced beat. Many of the soundscapes on 4:44 are more subdued and provoke more insular musings from Shawn Carter, the man behind the music.

Running ten tracks in length, 4:44 serves as a friendly reminder that JAY-Z still wields the power to put the music world in a state of pandemonium, a feat he pulled off with the assistance of producer No I.D. 4:44, his 13th released album, captures the transparent rapper as he puts down his guard long enough to bring us into the psyche of Shawn Carter the father, husband, and man. His last long player, Magna Carta Holy Grail, continued his track record of successful releases, scored him another platinum plaque and multiple hit singles, but received mixed reviews, with some accusing Hov of being over-the-hill and simply mailing it in at that point in his career. Notorious for his ability to read a crowd and spell out the writing on the wall, JAY-Z has been well aware of those attempting to write him off and has answered with what may be his greatest body of work of the decade. It’s to the point that it’s not a question of if he will be remembered as the greatest figure in rap to ever pick up a mic, but rather just how storied his legacy will ultimately be once he decides to close the curtain for good. More than a decade removed from his intended swan song, Black Album, JAY-Z continues to chip away at the grindstone that is immortality.

Jay z albums track list