| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that despite its title, this album isn't connected with the movie -- and contains much less violence than it could have. Other than in the song "Ignorant S--t," where Jay-Z talks about shooting someone, and a mention of a gun here and there, the CD really doesn't glorify the violence in thug life. It does, however, talk about working the streets selling drugs, and celebrates making money through the drug trade, but covers the consequences. There's plenty of swearing (f--k, bitch, s--t, ass) and the "N" word.
Jay-Z credits the movie American Gangster (about a 1970s heroin kingpin) as inspiration for getting back to his roots. On his AMERICAN GANGSTER CD, Jay-Z joins forces with girlfriend Beyonce and some of the big guns in hip-hop -- Diddy, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams -- to deliver songs about life on the streets, trying to escape that life, selling drugs, and growing up without a father.
One album removed from his much-hyped "comeback" from retirement, rapper-mogul Jay-Z returns to form with an album that shows him reclaiming his title as one of the best rappers alive. He tackles his subjects with honesty and strength, and even though there's a fair share of drug references, swearing, and gun touting, teens and parents can appreciate Jay-Z's MCing talent -- and the life he's lived.
Families can talk about the image of hip-hop artists. Why do they use tough, real-life experiences such as selling dope on the streets as material for songwriting? Do you think singing about it glorifies it? Why or why not?
| Artist: | Jay-Z |
| Release date: | November 6, 2007 |
| Label: | Roc-A-Fella |
| Genre: | Hip-hop |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |