"All I need is one mic, one beat, one stage" -Nas, "One Mic" on Stillmatic.

Ten years ago, I recall picking up this album called "Reasonable Doubt." I recognized Jay-Z from the days of "Originators" on Big Jaz's From the Soul and the "Can I get Open" performed Orinigal Flavor (O.F.'s Ski produced 2 tracks on Reasobable Doubt). I was a fan because he was from my hometown BROOKLYN!!!! plus his flow was crazy- fast, slow, on and off tempo. Although there was a lot of material that was released earlier by Jay, Dead Presidents was the song which changed the direction of lyrical content. You see when Jay turned it to a pimpish, drug slinging, materialistic style and everyone followed. hold up!! Jay took it ot the next level and the masses went along for the ride.

In that era, I measured talent by the b-side and remixes on the single. If an artist had new verses on single and killed the remix version, that was it. "Can't Knock the Hustle" is dope the remix is fire. "In My Lifetime" the original version was dope but the second version is sick. All I could wonder as I listened to the album was how a new artist was able to get Mary or B.I.G. to guest on a first album. I thought it was real good but not classic. No hate. 1996 would mark the debut albums for many artist like Lil Kim, Foxy but the later releases would determine the level of sucess of the artist. I do recall "Ain't No ......" was a success because cats were fiendin' for more Foxy Brown material. No hate. Truth!! Cats felt Jay-Z cause B.I.G. supported him. If B.I.G. was with it, it got to be good. (conversation for another time.)

Last night, Jay drove a Mercedes into Radio City stage after the infamous Pain-in-da-@$$ revisited the intro on the album. Jay stepped out dressed in an white suit armed with the sounds of ?uestLove (from the Roots) and the Illdelphonics to play all the material from the Reasonable Doubt album. The music played by the band was great, blending classics like Brooklyn Zoo and other songs into the performances. Surprises, not as many as in other shows. It was basically a celebration of the birth of an artist, Shawn "Jay-z" Carter. Among appearances were Sauce Money (he so heavy, he looks like Big Pun now.), Bleek, Foxy (still off beat), Pain-in-da-@$$ and Fiance er.. I mean Beyonce who took over for Mary while she was out on tour. (BTW Beyonce held it down. WOW!! almost better than Mary. True Story.) I was surprised that he didn't have any additional guests like Kanye, Ghostface, Nas. Somebody. I really was under the impression that Dame would jump out at some point. but no show. (Peace is not the word to play.) At some point the fans in the orchestra seating was shouting "Jaz-O". Jay laughed that off. Oh yeah, Jay did his best to omit Cristal from his lines since the owner's aren't thrilled with rappers endorsing their product. He slipped at least once. (Sorry I was paying attention.)

The true S Dot fans were out. I saw all kinds of nationalities and religions reciting word for word Jay lyrics. I laughed when I saw a rastafarian putting up the rock sign "<>". No lie. Well everybody was excited. The highlight was when he performed "22 two's." He intro-ed a new song/freestyle "44 fours." It was hot!! I can't deny anymore that Jigga (I hate that name) is an icon. Before the show even started fans were singing along to the Jay's verse on the remix of Rick Ross' "Hustin'". The song is only a few weeks old. When Jay was done with "Reasonable Doubt" there was a brief intermission and he came back to rock for over 30 mintues. He must have done like 15 songs. I liked the show but it was not as exciting as "BlackOut" in MSG or "I Declare War" in Jersey.

Well those that missed it, he filmed the event. So expect another DVD coming out soon.

Sidebar:
Although Nas didn't do the same deal for Illmatic's 10th year anniversary it would have been well received as well. The central Park show was somewhat along the lines of Jay's show. I hope Nas can do it for the 15th or 20th anniversary. I will be there.
By no means am I a Jay hater. I just want his equals to share the same accolades.