The party-friendly, trap-influenced, attempt at mainstream pandering was about as interesting as watching paint dry. Although it did touch on serious topics here and there, it was far from what a 40 year old father would sound fitting discussing.

Whether that be his collection of Basquiat paintings, designer clothes, or liquor preferences, by the end… well we got the point. Magna Carta Holy Grail, his previous album (from 2013), spent almost an hour telling us about his love for riches. Although there have certainly been instances of him being personal in the past (selling drugs to his mother, shooting his brother, feeling responsible for his nephews death, and so on), the large majority of his music has been braggadocio. This character being Jay Z, Hov, Jigga, but not Shawn Carter.

Throughout all of Jay Z’s past albums, we've come to understand and love this character known for his drug dealing, no-strings-attached sex, and excessive wealth (Jay built his Roc-A-Fella dynasty, became CEO of Def Jam Recordings, and achieved so much more due to his ability to hustle).

Jay z 444 album of the year