Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that KINGDOM COME is filled with four-letter words, and contains references to drinking and drug use, as well as some playful sexual innuendo. There are also poignant commentaries on social and topical issues (Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration, the pain of losing a close relative).
Families can talk about why an artist like Jay-Z would announce his retirement with a great deal of fanfare, then return with a new album a mere two years later. Especially when he has a successful career heading a record label. Families can also talk about Jay-Z's social message. Do you think his opinions on Hurricane Katrina and the President hold more or less weight when he relays them with explicit language?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
The thing about comeback albums is that they must meet unusually high standards in order to be considered successful, and Jay-Z's Kingdom Come is no exception. If the artist hadn't "retired" publicly (with a huge amount of fanfare) a mere two years ago, fans and critics alike would be evaluating the album simply on its own considerable merits. But held up against "comeback" expectations, this inconsistent album doesn't quite satisfy.
There are some wonderful moments although many of them are provided by guest cameos by the likes of Chrisette Michele, John Legend, Usher, Pharrell, Beyonce, Sterling Simms, Ne-Yo, and Chris Martin. Producer credits include Blaze, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, and the Neptunes.
More philosophical than on previous albums, Jay-Z seems to enjoy pontificating about his maturing perspective and elder-statesman status on songs like "30-Something" ("Young enough to know the right car to buy/yet grown enough not to put rims on it…I don't buy out the bar, I bought the nightspot/I got the right stock…"). His lyrics explore the repercussions of Hurricane Katrina while slamming the Bush administration; they also celebrate the joys of the party life ("Gimmie some ass, gimmie some brain, gimme your number, gimme your name…I'll take the cork off, you can take sips/I'll take you there, take my time/take your clothes off, I'll take off mine" on "Show Me What You Got"), and mourn the loss of a beloved nephew on "Lost One."
Despite some brilliant moments, the end result is too inconsistent and too unfocused to be hailed as a smashing success -- especially for a project that has been touted as the "comeback" of a superstar.
Fans of Jay-Z might also want to check out Kanye West and Pharrell.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome playful, party-life innuendo. |
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ViolenceSome violent imagery, mostly in the context of socially important messages. |
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LanguageVery explicit: "s--t" and "f--k" used freely. |
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Social BehaviorThe "N" word is used often; there are also messages of social consciousness. |
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CommercialismSeveral brand names are mentioned, everything from iPods to Cristal. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSeveral references to drugs and drinking ("I moved on to Dom Cuvee Rose"). |
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