Introduction
"Kingdom Come" is the ninth studio album by American rap artist and business owner Jay-Z, released on November 21, 2006. The album marked Jay-Z's return to taping music after a three-year retirement, following the release of "The Black Album" in 2003. It was considered as among the most anticipated albums of the year, with music critics and fans excitedly awaiting its release. "Kingdom Come" included a star-studded lineup of manufacturers and guest artists, including Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, and Chris Martin from Coldplay.
Background and Concept
During his retirement, Jay-Z remained active in the music industry, functioning as the president of Def Jam Recordings and teaming up with other artists on different projects. However, he claimed to have been influenced to make a comeback album by hearing "The Prelude", a Just Blaze-produced beat that forced him to go back to the recording studio. The album's title, "Kingdom Come", is a reference to the comics storyline "Kingdom Come" by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, along with Jay-Z's go back to the music scene, comparing it to the second coming of Christ.
Production and Style
"Kingdom Come" featured a diverse range of production designs from renowned manufacturers in the hip-hop world. Just Blaze, who produced much of Jay-Z's earlier work, contributed several tracks, consisting of "Oh My God", "Kingdom Come", "The Prelude", and "Show Me What You Got". On The Other Hand, Kanye West produced "Do U Wan na Ride" and Dr. Dre contributed "30 Something" and "Lost One". Other significant manufacturers on the album consist of The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), Swizz Beatz, and Chris Martin of Coldplay, who not only produced however likewise sang the hook on "Beach Chair".
The album's overall noise can be described as sleek and diverse, with Jay-Z explore a variety of musical styles and paces. Lots of songs featured a live brass band and orchestral strings to produce a more cinematic feel. Additionally, Jay-Z's lyricism was praised for being more introspective and fully grown than his earlier work.
Business Performance and Reception
Upon its release, "Kingdom Come" debuted at primary on the US Billboard 200 charts, offering over 680,000 copies in its first week, and ultimately accomplishing double-platinum status. It was likewise a business success internationally, arriving 20 in several nations, consisting of the UK, Canada, and Australia.
However, the album's reception from music critics was blended, as some applauded Jay-Z's growth as an artist and return from retirement, while others felt the album did not have the cohesiveness and impact of his previous works. The lead single, "Show Me What You Got", was a hit, however the subsequent songs, "Lost One" and "30 Something", stopped working to make a considerable effect on the charts.
Tradition
In spite of its combined reviews, "Kingdom Come" played a substantial role in contributing to Jay-Z's storied profession. The album showcased his lyrical prowess and desire to try out diverse sounds, confirming his status as a musical innovator. In addition, the anticipation for "Kingdom Come" sealed Jay-Z's legacy as a cultural icon, showing his continued relevance and influence in the hip-hop community. Ultimately, "Kingdom Come" acted as a stepping stone for Jay-Z's future undertakings, marking the start of his post-retirement profession and paving the way for more successful tasks to come.
Artist: Jay-Z
Jay-Z, from his rise to fame as a rapper to his successful business ventures and philanthropy, with inspiring quotes.
More about Jay-Z
