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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
- A1Can't Knock The HustleProd. Dahoud, Sean Cane, Knowbody
- A2Politics As UsualProd. Ski
- A3Brooklyn's FinestProd. Dame Dash, Clark Kent
- B1Dead Presidents IIProd. Ski
- B2Feelin' ItProd. Ski
- B3D'EvilsProd. DJ Premier
- B422 Two'sProd. Ski
- C1Can I LiveProd. DJ Irv
- C2Ain't No NiggaProd. Big Jaz
- C3Friend Or FoeProd. DJ Premier
- D1Coming Of AgeProd. Clark Kent
- D2Cashmere ThoughtsProd. Clark Kent
- D3Bring It OnProd. DJ Premier
- D4RegretsProd. Peter Panic
Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.
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The gear behind this record, sourced and for sale.
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More from hip hop in 1996.