Reasonable Doubt [Import, Explicit Lyrics]

The album is centered around the theme of hustling and the life of a hustler. Jay-Z had been living that life since 1988 and many refer to Reasonable Doubt as the Hustler's Bible, so to speak. It starts off with "Can't Knock the Hustle" with Mary J. Blige. The beat is perfect for the lyrics and Jay drops bombs. "Brooklyn's Finest" with BIG is one of hip-hop's greatest collaborations. Jay and BIG go back and forth and just tear the track to shreds. They come hard with metaphors, punchlines, and their sick flows. The beat is produced by Clark Kent. Now, my favorite track "Dead Presidents II" is just unbelievable. The production on this track by Ski is some of the best you'll ever hear. It samples Lonnie Liston Smith's "Dreams of Tomorrow" and compliments Jay's style perfectly. I would say this song is one of hip-hop's best (almost on the level of TROY). As for the lyrics go, it's basically about getting your money and going against all odds in order to acquire it. Another highlight for the LP is the Premo produced "D'Evils". Lyrically, this track is one of Jay's best ever. At the end of Jay's verse he says: "And even if Jehova Witness bet he'll never testify", need I say more? It would probably take several listens to understand all of the underlying lessons in this track. Basically put though, it's telling you to that you must be willing to do anything to accomplish your goals and dreams. Whether it be fame, wealth, or whatever. On "22 Two's", Jay-Z spits straight fire throughout the Ski-produced beat and if you pay attention you'll realize that Jay uses the word two/too/to 22 times on the song. Pretty clever. Another track I love is "Cashmere Thoughts". Some fans criticize the beat on this song but it's dope to me. Jay spits his verses in his laid back, smooth, mafia style flow. Check the lyrics: Eroll Flynn, hot like heroine/young pimps is thorough when I pimp through your borough and/I gotta keep your tricks in tact, cause I walk like a pimp, talk like a mack. "Bring it On" features Jay's mentor Jaz-O and fellow Brooklyn mc Sauce Money. The beat is amazing and is done by none other than DJ Premier. Listen to the verses on this song and prepare to be amazed. "Regrets" is a sort of melancholy track and Jay talks about that you have to learn to live with regrets when you live this lifestyle. The beat was an excellent match for the mood. It was the perfect clincher for the original version of Reasonable Doubt. The album ended on a perfect note. I can't think of many that ended better.

The only downside of the album is "Can I Live II". This track wasn't part of the original Reasonable Doubt, it was added as a bonus with the 1999 reissue. The song isn't bad but I just feel that "Regrets" ended the album perfectly and "Can I Live II" just ruins the vibe of it. It seems out of place and you can tell that it's not truly a part of Reasonable Doubt.

Bottom line: Many artists had touched on hustling before Reasonable Doubt but none went this deep into the subject. Jay really brought you the soul of a hustler on this LP and it is without a doubt his best work. It plays out like the musical version of a Scarface/Godfather type movie. Even an artist of Jay's caliber can't meet or exceed the quality of this LP again. It has a combination of great production AND lyrics unlike most of today's music which often has one or the other. This is one of hip-hop's masterpieces and I recommend it to everyone. Even the casual hip-hop listeners.