'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.

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 ...

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 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 ...

MistaJam has another album focus for Black History Month, this time for JAY-Z, celebrating 20 years since the release of Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.

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 ...

Over his long and legendary career, Jay Z’s businesses, music, and name have all changed—and so has his process for creating album art. Beginning with his mafia-style look on the cover of ...

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.