"D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" (CD single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Tame rap complains about overuse of technology in music.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this single is pretty mild, save for the repeated use of the word "nigger." Jay-Z takes aim at rappers who use Autotune (the audio processor that creates near perfect pitch) and other electronic production techniques in their music.

  • Not applicable.
  • "...this just violent, This is death of autotune, ah moment of silence." Lyrics aren't especially violent -- any violence targets musical styles, not  people. 
  • Very mild: "This is Sinatra at the opera, bring a blonde, Preferably with a fat a-- who can sing a song."
  • The word "nigger" is used in many verses of this song and is directed at rappers who Jay-Z is taking musical issue with. On the edited version this word is changed to "rapper."
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

It's only been two years since Jay-Z released an album, but a lot has changed on the rap scene in that short time. For one thing, rappers like Lil Wayne and Kanye West have morphed into singers...that is with a little help from their friends in the studio. Jay-Z is tired of all the over-production. On D.O.A. (DEATH OF AUTOTUNE) he explains why real rap isn't about electronic harmonies, it's about killer rhymes.


Is it any good?

 

Jay-Z and producer No I.D. offer listeners a sparse, straightforward single that expertly employs the samples of Janko Nilovic's "In the Space." At times though, the single drags with sluggish rhymes and a rap chorus that seems to be begging for a melodic hook. But Jay-Z stays true to his message and this is rap at its purest. Hardcore fans will probably appreciate the jazz-infused style, but listeners looking for more dance-inspiring rap (or those who like Autotune) might be want to look elsewhere.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about Jay-Z's beef with Autotune. Do you agree with him that rappers should stick to using their natural voice  or should artists be allowed to express themselves using whatever type of artificial help they can get? Is playing around with electronic techniques part of hip-hop culture? Or, do you think electronic aids make singers lazy and creates robo- music?


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Adult
July 3, 2009
 
Great Track
Another great track by the master Jay-Z. Song was produced great and the vibe of this track is just crazy. It's got a good meaning behind it too and it has a great role model over the track. Jay-Z is one of my idols.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 18 years old
July 6, 2009
 
Great track
Track is ill. Jay-z is a beast. Cant wait for BP3

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Teen, 16 years old
July 7, 2009
 
Nice song
Impressive lyricality and beats. Jay-Z is BACK.

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Kid, 11 years old
August 25, 2009
 
one of the best rapper in the world
jay-z rules

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Kid, 13 years old
December 23, 2009
 
perfect
this song started his hot streak it was right before the hit run this town.

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This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Artist:Jay-Z
Release date:June 5, 2009
Label:Atlantic
Genre:Rap
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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