On this day twenty-four years ago, Jay-Z’s classic debut album “Reasonable Doubt” was released to the world.
Today marks an important milestone in hip-hop history — the release Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt, an instant classic that sparked the career the greatest rapper all time. At least, one the strongest contenders, if not the surefire pick. For many who hold to that school thought, Reasonable Doubt plays a pivotal role in that assessment. Even twenty-four years removed from its initial drop, when Jay-Z was a budding emcee looking to earn his place at the table, the project retains every bit golden-era quality we’ve come to remember.
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In celebration the album’s birthday, Kareem “Biggs” Burke, co-founder Roc-A-Fella Records, took a moment to reflect on the triumphant day. Heavily involved in the album’s creation, Biggs shared a few snapshots destined to spark waves nostalgia. Especially the first two slides, which feature the Reasonable Doubt cassette tape and a suave Roc-A-Fella chain.
“24 yrs ago we dropped a tape,” writes Burke, in the accompanying caption. “The rest is history!!! Happy Birthday Reasonable Doubt.” We’d like to echo those birthday wishes, and reiterate our own sentiment as made last year — one year later, the hustle has yet to be knocked. It stands to reason that hip-hop will be celebrating this timeless classic for generations.