Jay-Z American Gangster Sneak Peek Review

After selling millions of records, having a net-worth of about $547 million, and having six Grammy Awards to his name, what more is there to do for hip-hop artist Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z? Well, to step back in the studio once more and record an album about the struggles as a street hustler. The album came about after being shown the film "American Gangster" in which Jay-Z's record will be no soundtrack to. The movie was merely an inspiration to the rapper. Though movies are released with albums similar to the theme of the movie, it is not common for the album to recorded by one artist. Jay-Z's American Gangster holds potential for different audiences to go out and see the film once released November 2nd.

The record opens with "Pray," a song in which Jay-Z tells a story of a young man caught in between right and wrong. Surrounded by drugs and crime, Jay-Z has a run in with cops who take part in dirty deeds. Praying is his way of trying to escape the harsh reality of slum areas. Sampling Marvin Gaye, "American Dreamin' " continues on what should have been in a perfect life instead of being a wannabe dealer. Not going to college, he sits back and just imagines what life could be like.

"Hello Brooklyn" takes on his love for the city. Lil Wayne has joined Jay-Z for the chorus while the rapper describes his life before leaving at 21. "No Hook" is Jay-Z's slap in the face to an old friend and drugs. "F--- rich/ Let's get wealthy/ Who else gon' feed weed/ If I need it/ I'm gon' get it however/ God help me," the rapper recalls.

"Roc Boys" brings the fun back. It thickens the plot as Jay-Z uses his opening as a winning speech and ends with thanking the folks for their part in becoming the dope boys of the year. "Sweet" takes on the same demise as "Roc Boys" but "Roc Boys" is where Jay-Z is making it, whereas "Sweet" finds him living high on hustling life.