Kingdom Come (by Jay-Z, Rap)

If Jay-Z hadn't "retired" (with a huge amount of fanfare) a mere two years ago, KINGDOM COME might be evaluated on its own considerable merits. But held up against "comeback" expectations, this inconsistent album doesn't quite satisfy. There are some wonderful moments, though many are provided by guest cameos -- the likes of Chrisette Michele, John Legend, Usher, Pharrell, Beyonce, Sterling Simms, Ne-Yo, and Chris Martin.

More philosophical than previous albums, Jay-Z pontificates 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 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"), but also explore the repercussions of Hurricane Katrina and mourn the loss of a beloved nephew on "Lost One." Despite some brilliant moments, the end result is too inconsistent and unfocused to be hailed as a smashing success -- especially for a project touted as the "comeback" of a superstar.

Released on: November 21, 2006
Label: Roc-A-Fella
Genre: Rap
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes