Retrospective Review: Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life by JAY-Z
JAY-Z’s third studio album was his commercial breakthrough.
Shawn Carter's third album, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, marked the culmination of his musical rise when it hit the shelves on September 29, 1998. The musician from Brooklyn spent the best part of the 1990s conscientiously establishing his name, transitioning from hypeman to a platinum artist. His third album, however, was his breakthrough moment, transforming him into an unquestioned prodigy from Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses.
The album Vol. 2 was the rerouting point in JAY-Z’s musical trajectory. His previous album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, while a platinum-seller hinting at his teeming talent, drew mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. Collaborating with Puff Daddy’s Hitmen production troop for Vol. 1, JAY-Z endeavored to cater the album’s singles to broader pop sensibilities. In retrospect, Vol. 1 has its charm, but it’s clear that the album's deepest cuts are richer than the commercial singles. At his essence, JAY-Z is a non-conformist, and conforming to trends didn’t suit him.
Not one to shy away from adversity, JAY-Z soldiered on. He featured as an opening act on Puff Daddy’s No Way Out tour. He also released an hour-long cinematic piece, Streets Is Watching, portraying a fictionalized version of his life, entwined in the snares of drug trafficking, while showcasing previously unreleased music. Alongside, he recorded several tracks for film soundtracks and production compilations.
JAY-Z purposefully shifted his approach in his creative work. While success was still a theme, he emphasized the journey more than the glory. Frequently, he served as the voice of the voiceless, representing the underserved from neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy. His humble beginnings and struggle to the top gave authenticity to his lyrics. He even projected an air of modesty, musing how he had already achieved enough success three or four years after his solo career launch.
This shift didn't turn listeners off; perhaps the Annie sample left them hooked (more about that later). Regardless of the reason, Vol. 2 was undoubtedly the most successful album of JAY-Z’s remarkable career. His first album to secure the coveted #1 spot on the Billboard charts, it not only went 5x Platinum but also won the Best Rap Album GRAMMY in 1999. It continues to be revered even today.
Interestingly, despite its commercial success, the album Vol. 2 has few conventional pop records. Most songs aimed for mainstream success were already released in other projects. “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” despite being a monumental commercial success, was arguably a risky fixture for the album. The mid-tempo, simple track relied primarily on its catchy hook, sampling from the late 1970s Broadway production of Annie. An odd choice, perhaps, but it proved beyond doubt that an audience for show tunes existed outside the confines of the theater.
The history of the title track is now widely known. JAY-Z stumbled upon the track, originally produced by The 45 King, who pitched it to various artists with little success. When JAY-Z heard the instrumental during the No Way Out tour, he immediately asked Kid Capri, the tour’s house DJ, about the beat. Things moved swiftly from there, with JAY-Z and 45 King striking a deal and completing the song shortly after JAY-Z exited the tour.
In his book Decoded, JAY revealed that he misled the rights owner of the Annie musical to clear the sample. He penned an emotional letter recalling how he won tickets to watch the Broadway show after winning an essay-writing contest in seventh grade. While this was a fabrication, it proved to be an effective approach.
In lines with JAY-Z’s proclaimed perspective, “Hard Knock Life” tells a classic rags-to-riches story similar to Annie. Its infectious charm couldn't be dismissed. The song dominated radio and TV, echoing from cars throughout late 1998 and 1999. It remains one of JAY’s biggest hits to this day.
The album's other singles similarly took an unconventional approach, especially about production. The album’s fourth single, "N***a What? N***a Who? (Originators 99),” featuring JAY-Z and mentor Big Jaz, is set to Timbaland’s unpredictable, pulsating track. As one of JAY-Z's early collaborations with Timbaland, the track is a tribute to “The Originators” from Jaz’s album To Your Soul. Double-time cadences were not new to rap music, but few pulled it off, as did JAY-Z and Big Jaz, who laid down their words with an easy, natural flow.
Interestingly, Vol. 2 also showcased some of JAY-Z's early contemplations about retirement. While he didn't retire, he did mull over the idea of passing the music baton to Memphis Bleek. This intention is clear from the opening track “Intro/Hand It Down,” where Pain In Da Azz, a former intern at Roc-A-Fella Records, impersonates Al Pacino and reimagines the closing monologue from Carlito’s Way. Bleek enters with one of the most powerful verses of his career, complementing DJ Premier’s lavish yet rugged production.
“Coming of Age (Da Sequel)” was another telling song produced by Swizz Beatz, who was making a name for himself in the music scene. His beats made it to various albums in 1998. After producing chart-toppers like DMX’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and N.O.R.E.’s “Banned from TV,” his contribution to Vol. 2 escalated his fame, making him one of the most sought-after producers.
Swizz's work often stirs up polarizing reactions, either winning over listeners or falling flat. "Money, Cash, Hoes” was one such track that stirred strong reactions, mostly concerning its production and hook. According to Swizz, the background beat—a recorded sound of his hand sliding over a keyboard—was initially conceived as a joke. Yet this seemingly eccentric track proved to be enduring, appealing to many, a quarter of a century later. JAY-Z, fully aware of the impending criticism, rides the rhythm of the beat with extraordinary precision. DMX lends his voice to the track, marking the song with his familiar fiery energy.
Swizz also produced “If I Should Die,” the album’s most introspective track. Accompanying JAY-Z was Da Ranjahz, a duo based in Crown Heights who had been a part of Roc-A-Fella since its inception. The trio mull over their impact on this earth and conclude they are at peace, regardless of what comes next. At the song’s end, JAY-Z ponders about the afterlife, potentially meeting Biggie and 2Pac while wondering if he is damned for eternity.
One of the album's overlooked gems, “Ride or Die,” is truly an enjoyable track. Produced by Stevie J of the Hitmen, it showcases JAY-Z at his best. Brash and arrogant yet witty and entertaining, the first verse ranks among his best as he taunts:
“You see the respect I get every time I come through.
Check your own videos, you’ll always be number two.
N****s talking really greasy on them R&B records
Well, I’m Platinum a million times, n***a, check the credits.”
“A Week Ago” is another standout track that ingeniously narrates JAY-Z's disappointment in his partner's betrayal. The hook, featuring Oakland legend Too $hort, adds an entertaining flair to the anti-snitch anthem. First appearing on the Rush Hour soundtrack, “Can I Get A…?” is another one of JAY-Z’s biggest hits. The song marks the first collaboration of JAY-Z with Ja Rule and introduces Amil from Major Coins. The bouncy, keyboard-driven track maintains a subtle rough edge.
Vol. 2 concludes with a string of previously released singles or upcoming “soundtracks.” “It’s Like That” would later appear as the opening track on Kid Capri’s Soundtrack mentioned above to the Streets, and “Money Ain’t a Thing” was originally from Jermaine Dupri’s Life In 1472 (The Original Soundtrack). The latter represents the only “shiny suit rap” instance on Vol. 2.
Wrapping up this album with a bang is “Reservoir Dogs.” This vibrant posse cut, the best to appear on a JAY-Z album, features a remarkable collaboration with The LOX, Sauce Money, and the young rising star Beanie Sigel. Produced by Erick Sermon and Rockwilder, the track loops the iconic guitar sample from Isaac Hayes’ “Theme From Shaft.” The contributors deliver robust verses, throwing lyrical jabs and showcasing their flair. Beanie Sigel shines through, setting up his successful solo career that eventually outshone Memphis Bleek’s career as originally intended by JAY-Z.
Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life was the high watermark of JAY-Z’s career, propelling him into unprecedented success. His natural mix of street savvy and commercial appeal would have guaranteed success regardless, but it's hard to imagine him as the towering figure he is today without the cornerstone laid by “Hard Knock Life” and Vol. 2. The Annie sample was quite possibly the catalyst, but the record stands on the strength of Jay-Z's diverse skill set which gave weight to his lyrics, connecting with his audience in a way few other works did.