Music Observer

From ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to ‘4:44’: The Top Songs of Jay-Z’s Illustrious Career

Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, is a legendary rapper who has consistently ranked among the top rap artists of the past 20 years. His influence on the hip-hop genre is undeniable.

His body of work is intricate and constantly changing due to his impressive combination of lyrical skill and masterful production. Jay-Z is also skilled at spotting up-and-coming musicians and introducing them to larger audiences.

It’s difficult to choose just a few of Jay-Z’s best songs, but this article tries to showcase the entirety of his illustrious career.

Only songs with Jay-Z’s name on them were taken into account when making the list, disqualifying cameos like Kanye West’s appearance on the legendary “Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix)” from the list.

The list also aims to demonstrate the diversity of his discography by featuring at least one song from each of his 13 studio albums.

Readers will have to see for themselves which of Jay-Z’s many hit songs made the list to find out which song takes the top spot.

Jay-Z Songs:

“Never Change”

“Never Change” is a standout track from Jay-Z’s 2001 album, “The Blueprint.” The song features a sample from David Ruffin’s “Common Man” and showcases Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess and his ability to reflect on his journey to success.

The track’s lyrics reflect on his humble beginnings and his rise to fame and success. He raps about his experiences in the streets of Brooklyn, his early struggles as a rapper, and his eventual ascent to the top of the music industry. 

The chorus, which features a sample from Ruffin’s “Common Man,” emphasizes the theme of perseverance and determination, with the refrain “I’ll never change, this is Jay every day.”

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“Takeover” 

“Takeover” is a standout track from Jay Z’s 2001 album, “The Blueprint.” The song is a diss track targeted at Jay Z’s rivals, including Nas and Mobb Deep, and is considered one of the most legendary diss tracks in hip hop history.

The song’s lyrics feature numerous references to his  rivals and their perceived shortcomings. He takes aim at Nas, who he accuses of biting his style and being irrelevant, and Mobb Deep, who he derides as weak and cowardly. 

The track also features a verse that takes shots at Prodigy’s alleged battle with sickle cell anemia, which was widely criticized as being in poor taste.

“N—-s in Paris”

“N***as in Paris” is a hit single by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West, released in 2011 as part of their collaborative album, “Watch the Throne.” The song is a high-energy, up-tempo track that is broadly regarded as one of the standout moments on the album and has become a fan favorite and a classic in its own right.

The song’s production, which was handled by West, is built around a looping sample of the main melody from the 2010 hit song “Baptême du feu” by French electronic music artist Gesaffelstein. 

The sample is chopped and manipulated to create a driving beat that propels the song forward, while various synth and percussion elements are added to give the track an energetic and futuristic feel.

“99 Problems” 

“99 Problems” is a 2004 hit single by Jay-Z, released as part of his album “The Black Album.” The song is widely considered as one of his signature tracks and has become an enduring classic in the hip hop genre.

Lyrically, the song tells the story of his encounters with the police and his struggles with the criminal justice system. 

The song’s title and chorus refer to the various problems that the rapper has encountered, including legal issues, drug addiction, and the pressures of the music industry. The song’s lyrics also touch on themes of racial profiling, police brutality, and the broader social and political issues facing Black Americans.

“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” 

“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” is a classic hip hop single by Jay-Z, released in 1998 as part of his album “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life.” The song is popularly regarded as one of his most iconic tracks and has become a staple of hip hop culture.

“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song’s catchy chorus, infectious beat, and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences and helped to establish the musician as one of the most important voices in hip hop.

“Big Pimpin'” 

“Big Pimpin'” is a hit single by Jay-Z, released in 2000 as part of his album “Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter.” The song is dubbed as one of his most commercially successful and popular tracks and has become an enduring classic in the hip hop genre.

The song’s production, which was handled by Timbaland, is built around a sample from the song “Khosara” by Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi. The sample provides the song’s infectious melody, while Timbaland’s trademark percussion and sound effects give the track a modern, urban edge.

Lyrically, the song tells the story of his lavish lifestyle and his love for the finer things in life. The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “Big pimpin’, spendin’ G’s,” reflects his status as a wealthy and successful rap artist who is able to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

“Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)”

“Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” is a classic hip hop track by Jay-Z, released in 2001 as part of his album “The Blueprint.” The song is dubbed as one of his most iconic and enduring tracks, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally resonant lyrics and catchy, memorable hooks.

The song hit a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song’s emotional depth, thoughtful lyrics, and soulful production helped to establish him as a truly unique voice in hip hop.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its cultural significance and artistic merit. The song has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years, and its chorus and lyrics have become a cultural touchstone in the hip hop genre.

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“4:44” 

“4:44” is a critically acclaimed album by the rapper, released in 2017. The album contains 10 tracks, with a total running time of just over 36 minutes. It is notable for its introspective and personal lyrics, which touch on themes of infidelity, family, and black entrepreneurship.

The title track “4:44” is a deeply personal song in which Jay-Z reflects on his relationship with his wife Beyoncé and apologizes for his past infidelity. He also addresses issues of generational wealth and black entrepreneurship, urging his listeners to build and invest in their communities.

“Dead Presidents II” 

“Dead Presidents II” is a standout track from Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” released in 1996. The song features a sample from Lonnie Liston Smith’s “A Garden of Peace” and showcases Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities.

The title “Dead Presidents II” refers to the American currency, and the song’s lyrics reflect his ambition to accumulate wealth and power. He raps about his desire for success and his will to do whatever it takes to achieve it, including engaging in criminal activity.

The song’s opening lines, “Presidents to represent me / I’m out for presidents to represent me / I’m out for dead presidents to represent me,” are often cited as some of his most iconic lyrics. They set the tone for the song and illustrate his unapologetic pursuit of wealth and success.

“Empire State of Mind” 

“Empire State of Mind” is a chart-topping single from Jay-Z’s 2009 album, “The Blueprint 3.” The song features guest vocals from Alicia Keys and is an ode to New York City, where both artists are from.

The track’s lyrics celebrate the city’s resilience, diversity, and cultural impact, and it has become a staple of New York City’s cultural identity. The artist raps about his humble beginnings in the Brooklyn projects and his rise to fame and success, while Alicia Keys adds a soaring chorus that captures the city’s energy and spirit.

Hugh Jackman Balances Action and Song Despite Vocal Damage from Wolverine

Hugh Jackman is known for his versatility as an actor and performer, but his iconic role as Wolverine in the X-Men film series has had an unexpected impact on his musicianship. seems to have given 

Recently, the Australian actor talked openly about the harm that performing as the yelling, screaming, and growling superhero has done to his singing voice.

In an interview with the BBC’s Front Row, Jackman revealed that his falsetto is not as strong as it used to be. We attribute this directly to the physical demands we’ve made to portray Wolverine over the past 23 years. 

“I’ve done some damage to my voice as Wolverine,” he said. “My voice teacher in drama school would’ve been horrified by some of the things I did [as Wolverine].”

Jackman’s voice has been an important part of his career, appearing in Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, Oklahoma!. He has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for his work in these productions. However, his stint as Wolverine seems to have had a lasting impact. 

Jackman has no regrets about his portrayal of the well-known X-Men character, despite the vocal difficulties. “I loved playing Wolverine, and I still do,” he said. “I never thought in a million years I would have played a superhero, but it changed my life.”

Jackman’s ability to balance action-packed superhero roles with stunning musical performances is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.  

His falsetto isn’t as strong as it once was, but his legions of fans appreciate his performances on stage and screen, whether he’s playing show tunes or defeating villains as Wolverine. I have no doubt that you will continue to do so. 

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Drama School Lessons

In a BBC Front Row interview, Jackman said that his training at the drama school had taught him how to shout and yell effectively without damaging his voice. While portraying Wolverine, he disregarded some of those lessons, which he believes may have harmed his vocal cords.

“We learned the technique [in school] of how to shout and how to yell without ruining your voice. However, during Wolverine, I did some screaming and yelling and things that I think did damage my voice, which I think I’m working on,” he elaborated. 

“I work with a singing teacher, and I make sure that I try not to hurt myself. And I really put a lot of effort into both physical movement, and my vocal preparation for every role.”

The Australian actor, who won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in The Boy from Oz, stated that he now takes great care in preparing his voice for every role, including working with a singing teacher and focusing on his physical movement.

Jackman is expected to reprise his role as Wolverine in the upcoming Deadpool threequel, but he has assured fans that he plans to approach his yelling in a healthier manner this time around.

The 53-year-old actor has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, impressing audiences with his acting, singing, and dancing abilities. Despite the damage that playing Wolverine may have caused his vocal cords, it’s clear that Jackman’s talent and dedication to his craft remain unshakable.

Hugh Jackman

Jackman is a name that has become synonymous with Hollywood action films, but he’s much more than just an action hero. Born in Sydney, Australia, on October 12, 1968, Hugh Michael Jackman started his career in acting on stage, working in various musicals and plays before transitioning to the big screen.

He first caught the public eye playing Wolverine, a mutant with retractable claws, in the X-Men film franchise, which he continued to play for nearly two decades. Despite being primarily known for his action roles, Jackman has always maintained his passion for musicals.

Before making it big in Hollywood, Jackman’s career began on the stage. He performed in various musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma!, Sunset Boulevard, and The Boy from Oz. The latter earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2004.

In addition to his acting and singing talents, Jackman is also a versatile dancer. He showcased his dance moves in the 2001 film Happy Feet and even hosted the Academy Awards in 2009, where he wowed the audience with his opening musical number.

Jackman’s performance in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He played Jean Valjean, a French convict who breaks parole and starts a new life while being pursued by a ruthless inspector.

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Wolverine

Wolverine, also known as Logan, is one of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a mutant who possesses a number of extraordinary abilities, including retractable claws made of adamantium, a healing factor that allows him to recover from any injury, and heightened senses. 

Wolverine is often depicted as a brooding and complex character, with a mysterious past and a fierce loyalty to his friends and allies.

Wolverine was first introduced in The Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974, as a minor character who is sent to stop the Hulk. He was created by writer Len Wein and artist John Romita Sr., and his popularity quickly grew among fans. In 1975, he joined the X-Men, a team of mutant superheroes, and became a mainstay of the series.

Over the years, Wolverine has been featured in numerous comic book series, as well as several animated television shows and video games. He has also been portrayed on the big screen by actor Hugh Jackman, who played the character in nine films in the X-Men franchise, as well as in two standalone Wolverine movies.

One of the most iconic aspects of Wolverine’s character is his adamantium claws, which are sharp and deadly weapons that he uses to fight his enemies. The claws are often depicted as extending from the back of his hands, and are capable of cutting through virtually anything. 

The adamantium also makes Wolverine’s bones virtually unbreakable, adding to his already impressive physical resilience.

The Evolution of Paramore: From Emo to a Tour de Force of Musical Creativity

In recent years, Emo, a subculture and genre that gained popularity in the early 2000s, has experienced a massive comeback.

From the revival of classic emo bands like My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy to the rise of new acts like Phoebe Bridgers and The Neighborhood, emo has re-established itself as a powerful force in popular music.  

And now, one of the most iconic emo bands of all time, Paramore, is back with their first album in five years, “This Is Why.”

Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro make up the band Paramore, which gained popularity in the early 2000s for its fusion of pop-punk, punk, and emo music.

Hits like “Misery Business” and “Decode” brought the band a huge following and cemented their place in the emo canon. And now, with the release of This Is Why, Paramore are making waves once again in the music world.  

But this album isn’t quite what you’d expect from an emo band in 2023. Rather than embracing the emo revival and capitalizing on the genre’s recent revival, Paramore takes a different approach. “This Is Why” isn’t emo, punk, or pop punk. 

In actuality, the sound that made Paramore famous has been purposefully departed from. It was done intentionally, too.

Paramore

Hayley Williams and her band members have always been known for their cross-genre approach to music. From the beginning, they’ve never been afraid to push boundaries and try new things…and with “This Is Why,” they’ve done just that.  

The album is a melting pot of different genres and influences, from indie rock to alternative pop to R&B. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment.

So why did Paramore choose to go in this direction with their new album? It’s simple: they wanted to evolve. The music scene is constantly changing, and the band didn’t want to be stuck in the past. 

They wanted to create something new and fresh, something that would stand the test of time. And they’ve succeeded. “This Is Why” is a masterpiece, a tour de force of musical creativity and ambition.

The album is a departure from their earlier emo and pop-punk roots, and it’s a deliberate choice by the band. They didn’t want to remain in the past and instead wanted to create something new and fresh that would stand the test of time. 

And they’ve succeeded. The 10 songs on “This Is Why” are a tour de force of musical creativity and ambition, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment.

But what sets “This Is Why” apart is its powerful political lyrics. The album examines the group’s anger and frustration over the state of the world, and it’s a reflection of the current political climate. 

The songs are a call to action, urging listeners to stand up and fight for what they believe in. It’s a bold statement from a band that’s never been afraid to speak their mind.

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Pop-Punk Revival

Despite the major shift in sound, the members of Paramore can’t help but compare the early days of their career to the now emo and pop-punk revival. 

They’ve seen the genre they helped pioneer make a massive comeback in recent years, with old school emo bands like My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy making a comeback, and new acts like Phoebe Bridgers and The Neighborhood rising to prominence. 

But Paramore isn’t just cashing in on the sudden mainstream popularity of emo. They’re leading the charge and taking the genre in a new direction.

“It’s very unexpected,” Farro stated of how famous the genres have become. 

“It’s cool, but it’s also weird. Hayley got to express a lot of cool things [at 2022’s When We Were Young music festival] and speak to that scene [about] some stuff that needed to be touched on. If anything, [the genre] was for all the people that didn’t fit in, and it was cool to be there for that.”

Williams added: “It’s wild because emo meant something different to us when we were really young. When we came onto the scene, it was very much a bad word. It had negative connotations because even before us, that word was not really a welcomed expression or term to people in punk music.”

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Popular Emo Kids

Williams reflects on the early days of her career, when emo music was becoming more popular but emo kids were still seen as outcasts in high school.

The rising popularity of emo and pop-punk music is a surprising development for the band, considering how much the music industry has shifted since they got together. 

Williams mentions that there’s not much use for genres in today’s music world, and that people are now treating emo music as something cool.

This shift in attitudes towards emo music is a testament to the lasting power of the genre. Emo music has always been about expressing emotions and feelings that are often overlooked in society, and its popularity is a reflection of how relevant these emotions and experiences are for people today.

For Paramore, the resurgence of emo and pop-punk music is an opportunity to reach a new generation of fans and share their message with the world. 

Despite their success and longevity, the band remains true to their roots and is committed to creating music that defies genre and speaks to the human experience.