 | 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. |
The Black Album
Common Sense Media says
There's a lot for parents to be cautious about.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's violence, racism, sexism, and obscenity galore. The "edited" version is so clumsy that, if anything, it calls more attention to the deleted words.
What's the story?
Jay-Z wants us to know that he knows certain words and isn't afraid to use them. Yeah, those words. All of them -- over and over again -- on THE BLACK ALBUM. The edited version won't be much help here, because the edited words are so obviously cut out that it's almost worse. That's the disclaimer -- now about the music. This CD begins with a sound sample of the artist's mother talking about him as a child, in counterpoint with Jay-Z himself talking about his feelings of abandonment when his father left home. It's a heart-tugger (really!) and sets up the rest of the CD in a uniquely sentimental way.
Is it any good?
The whole album is lovingly and carefully produced. The background vocals are wonderful, and the tracks seem to sparkle with an extraordinary energy and passion. This CD is not for everyone, but there's something substantial at the heart of it, if you can get past the obscenity and Jay-Z's macho posturing.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what (if anything) is appealing to them about this music. If teens say they just like the music, ask them how they can ignore or rationalize the violence and intolerant images on the CD. Another good topic to discuss is what message about life do you think Jay-Z wants to get across to his audience?
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AGE
GOOD ALBUm
Jay-z shows his "dark side" in this album but great for teens who just want to let loose i like this album
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AGE
Hova doing his thing
If your kids go to high school I guarantee they have heard every word said in the album. Its Jay-Z doing what he does best which is igniting controversy. The 99 problems song is really just a metaphor if you listen to the song he talks about being racially targeted. This is a guy from the inner city streets talking about the world he grew up in and the fantasy life he now lives.
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AGE
Intelligent gangsta
Jay-Z's not stupid, and though he can be sexist he also respects his mother and has had a pretty steady relationship with Beyonce. I personally like his Blueprint album better, but this one is also good. He's a thug, but a smart one.
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