With JAY-Z set to receive the 2018 Salute to Industry Icons Award this weekend, his streaming giant TIDAL has compiled a series playlists and in-depth reviews highlighting his key contributions to art, industry, society and culture at large. From Reasonable Doubt to 4:44, Shawn Carter’s musical legacy in undeniable.
Peep some exclusive TIDAL content below!
Crew Cuts: JAY-Z Posse Tracks
JAY-Z may be the most celebrated solo rap artist all-time, but he’s also a team player. Here’s a collection his greatest appearances on posse cuts, including “Reservoir Dogs,” “Swagga Like Us,” the “All The Way Up (Remix)” and more.
JAY-Z: Rap Duets
Hov handled the brunt the bars on ‘4:44,’ but he’s done his fair share tag-teaming on tracks over the years with the best rappers in the game. Here are 50 JAY-Z’s finest rap duets, including classics like “Brooklyn’s Finest” with The Notorious B.I.G., “Black Republicans” with Nas and “Renegade” with Eminem.
Evolution: JAY-Z (1996-2002)
JAY-Z’s debut album, ‘Reasonable Doubt,’ was released in 1996, and he’s since been on a consistent ascent up the ladder success. Regardless his business wins, it’s the music that’s been the foundation his career. Let’s take it back to the golden years JAY-Z’s evolution as an artist and celebrate the hit songs and deeper cuts that put him on track to become the untouchable living legend he is today. Hov!
Evolution: JAY-Z (2003-2009)
With the release ‘The Black Album’ in 2003, JAY-Z had plans retiring from rap but it was clear that he couldn’t leave the game alone. Before long, he stepped down from his post as Def Jam president and got back to the booth. Enjoy this stadium status playlist Hov’s mid-2000s run, from his ‘Black Album’ smashes “99 Problems” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” to his ‘Blueprint 3’ chart-topper “Empire State Of Mind.”
Evolution: JAY-Z (2010-2017)
JAY-Z has continued to evolve during the latter stint his career, displaying his mastery and agility as a songwriter. Through choice collaborations, he’s also embraced the new generation artists. Enjoy this playlist Hov’s most recent jewels, including songs from ‘4:44,’ ‘Watch The Throne’ and ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail,’ plus collabos with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Future and more.
By The Numbers: JAY-Z
One million, two million, three million, four. Yup, Jigga’s still spending money from ’88, and the digits continue to accumulate. As for the music, well, from “My 1st Song” to “100$ Bill,” he’s got too many classics to count. This is JAY-Z, by the numbers.
President Carter: The Def Jam Years (Rap)
He’s not a businessman, he’s a business, man! And JAY-Z’s stint at as Def Jam president proved he knew how to make moves on the block and in the boardroom. Here’s a collection rap releases from the mid-200s President Carter era at Def Jam.
President Carter: The Def Jam Years (R&B)
Def Jam Records in more than just a rap label—it’s responsible for bringing R&B artists to the forefront, too. During JAY-Z’s run as Def Jam president, he showed and proved that as an executive with a background in rap, he had an ear for R&B talent, too. Enjoy this playlist Def Jam’s R&B hits released under President Carter’s mindful leadership, including joints by Rihanna, Ne-Yo, The-Dream and more.