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Album

Jay-Z

Reasonable Doubt

Reasonable Doubt is the debut album by Brooklyn’s Jay-Z, released in June 1996 by Roc-A-Fella Records, the label he co-founded with Damon Dash and Kareem Burke, and distributed by Priority.

The story

With no major label behind them, Roc-A-Fella built the album independently. “Can’t Knock the Hustle” with Mary J. Blige and “Brooklyn’s Finest” with The Notorious B.I.G. are highlights.

Sound and production

DJ Premier, Ski, Clark Kent and others supplied smooth, jazz- and soul-sampling beats, a luxurious backdrop for Jay-Z’s calm, detailed hustler’s tales.

Legacy

It sold modestly at first but grew into one of the most respected debuts in rap and launched the biggest career of the era.

Tracklist & credits

  1. A1
    Can't Knock The HustleProd. Dahoud, Sean Cane, Knowbody
  2. A2
    Politics As UsualProd. Ski
  3. A3
    Brooklyn's FinestProd. Dame Dash, Clark Kent
  4. B1
    Dead Presidents IIProd. Ski
  5. B2
    Feelin' ItProd. Ski
  6. B3
    D'EvilsProd. DJ Premier
  7. B4
    22 Two'sProd. Ski
  8. C1
    Can I LiveProd. DJ Irv
  9. C2
    Ain't No NiggaProd. Big Jaz
  10. C3
    Friend Or FoeProd. DJ Premier
  11. D1
    Coming Of AgeProd. Clark Kent
  12. D2
    Cashmere ThoughtsProd. Clark Kent
  13. D3
    Bring It OnProd. DJ Premier
  14. D4
    RegretsProd. Peter Panic

Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.

Made with

The gear behind this record, sourced and for sale.

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