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Kingdom Come
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0602517136380
Format: Explicit Lyrics
Label: Roc-a-Fella
Manufacturer: Roc-a-Fella
MPN: 000804502
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Roc-a-Fella
Release Date: November 21, 2006
Studio: Roc-a-Fella
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Editorial Review:
Few retirements are as short-lived as that of New York rap mogul Jay-Z. Barely two years after bowing out in 2004, he's back with Kingdom Come--and if he's set down the mic for a minute, it doesn't show. Backed by a dream team of producers (Just Blaze, Kanye West, Dr Dre, the Neptunes), with special guests including Pharrell, Beyonce, and Coldplay's Chris Martin, it's an A-list cast. Naturally, though, it's the Hova who's the star attraction, slightly older and prone to pontificating on his ten years in the game (see "30-Something"), but certainly no wiser: as he raps on "Trouble," he's still got "hands in the cookie jar." The first few tracks are pure consolidation, gleaming and boastful productions that remind you just how great Jay-Z is on the mic. Further in, though, Kingdom Come branches out in style: "Hollywood," the duet with Beyoncé, is a jaded take on celebrity culture, while "Minority Report" relives the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina with the Bush Administration in the metaphorical sights. Finally, the Coldplay-produced "Beach Chair" concludes the album on a spiritual note, Jay-Z announcing "life is but a dream" as Chris Martin trills like an angel atop echoing drums and distorted, music-box guitar. If you thought it could never work, you were clearly underestimating.--Louis Pattison
While nowhere near a career-ending disaster, the wobbly Kingdom Come wasn't the best justification Jay-Z could have made for ending his retirement. You'd think his enthusiasm for jumping back in the game would give the album more energy but despite a power trio of songs by Just Blaze that kick off the CD, much of the album feels listless and unfocused and it doesn't help that A-list producers like Dr. Dre and the Neptunes drop the ball with some truly tepid tracks. There are nice moments: the blistering title song, Jay's soul-baring "Lost Ones," and his snickering disses on "Dig a Hole." But, those moments are counterbalanced by the clunky "Beach Chair" (produced by Coldplay's Chris Martin), the obnoxious, corporate swagger of "30 Something," and the garish, unlistenable club cut "Anything." Any fan of Jay over the last 10 years knows he's better than this so now the new anticipation will be for his real comeback album. --Oliver Wang
Bonus CD includes exclusive LIVE performances from the Reasonable Doubt 10 Yr. Anniversary Concert (Recorded live at Radio City Music Hall June 25, 2006)
Guests Including Beyonce, Eminem, Naz, and Mary J. Blige.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - 4 1/2 stars for the self-proclaimed "kingpin of the ink pen"
On track number six, Jay-Z calls himself the "kingpin of the ink pen." That's an incredible one-liner, but why would he say that if he doesn't write down his lyrics? Oh, the complexity of the Jigga Man. "The Black Album" was supposed to be Jay-Z's last album, but, like people who divorce because of two or three trivial problems, many celebrities do not take retiring seriously. Having said that, this album was well received by the public. It did not reach the success of, say, "The Blueprint", ... Read More
Rating:  - comes highly recommended...
How can you go wrong when you have Jay-Z rhyming over tracks by the likes of Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, and the Neptunes???
Rating:  - Mediocre 'comeback' album
BOTTOM LINE:
He followed up the classic 'Black Album' with this??!
Look, I'm a Jigga fan for LIFE, but this was painfully obvious as a 'rush it out to the stores' release. He basically told us AGAIN what we heard 10 yrs ago; that he's on top of the rap game. No track really stuck with me, and unlike most of his releases, I don't think I'll be quoting any lyrics years later. Probably his second worst solo release after Blueprint 2.
Rating: - Jay-Z can do no wrong
Jay-Z has gotten a lot of flack for this album, but I still like it. It's definately not his best, but still great. Jay-Z is constantly reinventing himself, and this is a great example of this. People expect this album to be another Reasonable Doubt, but thats not realistic. Jay-Z is no longer on the corner selling drugs or whatever hustle he was doing in Brooklyn. He is now in his thirties and working corporate America, so it only make sense that lyrics reflects his life. I have to say, Jay-Z is the ... Read More
Rating: - 'show Me What Cha Got Jay Z!!!!!!
Am Really Feeling This Cd. Love ALL Of The Tracks. Jay Did His Thing With This One......H .O V.A. Gold Bottle With Ace Of Spade!!!!!!!
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