Music Review

Reasonable Doubt (1996)

EW's GRADE
A-

Details Lead Performance: Jay-Z; Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Jay-Z's street-savvy raps may seem like nothing new, but there's a reason the Brooklyn native is topping the charts. It's not what he says on Reasonable Doubt, but how he says it — with an irresistible confidence, a voice that exudes tough-guy authenticity, and unadorned but suitably militant beats. Cameos by the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige don't hurt either. B+

Originally posted Aug 02, 1996 Published in issue #338 Aug 02, 1996 Order article reprints

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