Jay-Z
Magna Carta… Holy Grail
(Roc Nation/Universal)
3.5/5
Jay-Z’s 12th solo album may come as a disappointment to any fans that are looking for depth and meaning.
The lyrics are consistently laced with corporate references, he compares his music to the Bible, and in the track “Heaven” he calls himself a “prophet.” The constant self-praise and self-references to Da Vinci and other famous artists get a bit old.
Here’s the good news: the beats, production, and Jay-Z’s legendary lyrical flow almost make you forget about the lack of lyrical depth.
“Part II (On the Run),” featuring BeyoncŽ, is a perfect follow-up to “’03 Bonnie and Clyde.” “Crown,” which is produced by 16-year-old Canadian WondaGurl, has a gritty, New York feel to it, reminiscent of some of Jay-Z’s older material.
While the lyrics feel like they could use a bit more work, the rest of the album is so well put together that it’s definitely worth a listen.