'Vol. 2 … Hard Knock Life,' which turns 20 today (Sept. 29), marked a point of inflection for Jay-Z’s career as he transformed from respected New York MC to axis of American pop.

In September 1998 with a show-stopping sample from a Broadway show to lead the way, Jay-Z dropped Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life and nothing quite has ever been the same in American pop culture.

But, saturation aside, Hard Knock Life is a worthwhile if uneven album that, like Jay-Z's In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, alternates between hedonistic celebrations of wealth and songs that analyze street ...

But for many, the Jay Z we think of today—the smooth hit-maker, the cocky empire-builder, the clever businessman—didn't really exist until Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, his chart-busting 1998 ...

On Sept. 29, 1998, Jay-Z dropped the album that made him a mainstream star, Vol 2. Hard Knock Life. Jay was already force in hip-hop, having made a big splash with his polished, street-slick 1996 ...

Today In Hip Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His Third LP 'Vol.2...Hard Knock Life' 24 Years Ago Jay-Z Drop 'Vol.2...Hard Knock Life' 24 Years Ago Skip to content Sunday, October 27, 2024 ...

The song was originally meant to be performed by Kid Capri, a rapper and DJ who worked with Jay-Z on the Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life song “It’s Like That.” But, Capri and The 45 King decided to ...

The result: 1997’s “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1,” which sold nearly 1 million copies, and last year’s aforementioned blockbuster, “Vol. 2 … Hard Knock Life.” His fortunes changed quickly.

On this date in 1998, Jay-Z and his Roc cohorts dropped his third album Vol.2…Hard Knock Life on their independent Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam imprint.