The Black Album by Jay-Z was released in Q4 2003. As the Brooklyn rapper is retiring, this will be his last album, and has generally been well received by the critics.

The album mixes sentimental quotes from Jay-Z's mother in "December 4th" with defiance and anger in tracks like "What More Can I Say" and "Threat", delivering an emotionally driven final statement to the world.

It is rumored that Jay-Z will return to making records under a new pseudonym, most likely S. Carter. This rumor is given some credence because of various lyrics and imagery in his music videos. Most notably, the semi-controversial 99 Problems video shows him being shot at the end, which he says signifies the death of Jay-Z.

This album, with the Beatles' self-titled album (the "White Album"), was in 2004 remixed into The Grey Album by DJ Danger Mouse.

Track listing

1. "Interlude"
2. "December 4th"
3. "What More Can I Say"
4. "Encore"
5. "Change Clothes"
6. "Dirt Off Your Shoulder"
7. "Threat"
8. "Moment Of Clarity"
9. "99 Problems"
10. "Public Service Announcement (Interlude)"
11. "Justify My Thug"
12. "Lucifer"
13. "Allure"
14. "My 1st Song"