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Jay-Z "MTV Unplugged [LIVE]" Live, Explicit Lyrics
![MTV Unplugged [LIVE]](/~jay_z/images/albums/jay-z-mtv-unplugged-live.jpg) |
Title: MTV Unplugged [LIVE] Format: Live, Explicit Lyrics Label: Roc-a-Fella Released: 2001-12-18 |
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Buy MTV Unplugged [LIVE]! |
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Tracklisting & Lyrics
1. H To The Izzo lyrics »2. Take Over lyrics »
3. Girls, Girls, Girls lyrics »
4. Jigga What lyrics »
5. Big Pimpin lyrics »
6. Ain't No Love lyrics »
7. Can I Get A/Hard Knock Life/Ain't No... (Medley) lyrics »
8. Can't Knock The Hustle (Medley) lyrics »
9. Song Cry lyrics »
10. Give It To Me lyrics »
11. Jigga, Jigga lyrics »
Reviews
While it's not quite the "Jigga with an acoustic guitar" setup we'd hoped for, Unplugged reveals once and for all that Shawn Carter is among the few MCs who don't need a whole bunch of electronic wizardry to sound good. Jay-Z's timing is flawless, his hits are showcased, and the audience is obviously having a great time. But aside from some witty banter with folks in the front row, Jay doesn't take this opportunity to loosen up any more than usual. In other words, don't expect much deviation from the standard wording. This Unplugged performance is a "no freestyle zone," represented by the truncated rendition of "Big Pimpin'." Mary J. Blige's no-holds-barred assist on "Can't Knock the Hustle" more than makes up for this, though, demonstrating why she's been hip-hop's favorite muse for 10 years running. The Roots provide ample live band support, although Ahmir Thompson's drumming sounds rather flat and a total violin overkill does a great disservice to "Takeover," Jay's dis-out to Queensbridge. And, yes, there is a hidden studio track. According to Damon Dash, it's entitled "I Hear the People Talking." ~Rebecca Levine, Amazon.comWhen I first heard that Jay-Z was going to drop an MTV Unplugged album, I laughed. Hard. Anyone whos seen Jay-Z perform live knows that his stage performances arent that great, even with the lights, effects, dancers, and other stuff. If you strip those away and delete his digital tracks and high-dollar production, all thats left is an above average rapper spitting rhymes over a Digital Audio Tape or mediocre house band. Besides, to the best of my knowledge, the only other rapper thats done an Unplugged set is LL Cool J, and LL ripped it just because he brings so much energy to every show. I can say what I want about LL, but give him the mic in front of a receptive crowd and the roof is coming off, guaranteed. Canibus should take notes.
Anyway, my laughter stopped when I heard that The Roots were backing him up. This impressive group of Hip Hop/Jazz fusion musicians could rock a show blowing a kazoo and strumming used dental floss. Give em an old bucket and chopsticks for drums too and theyll turn the venue into Fresh Fest 2002. If youve never seen the Roots live, youve truly missed the best Hip Hop has to offer. Combine their talent with Jay-Z s lyrical skills and catchy songs, and youve got the makings for a very enjoyable show. This is what Jay-Z and the Roots put together on the latest recording from MTVs Unplugged series, Jay-Z Live MTV Unplugged; a great show with deft lyricism, solid songs, and killer musical performances. madtheory, epinions.com