I noticed that some online retail outlets have changed Hip-Hop Is Dead‘s release date from Noveember 7 to November 21. I find it ridiculously disturbing that Hov plans to drop his post-retirement album, so-called Kingdom Come (WTFF!?), within a week of releasing Nasir’s Hip-Hop Is Dead (again, WTFF!?). I don’t like either album title, but I digress.
Billboard.com on Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come
Details are beginning to surface about Jay-Z’s long-rumored comeback album, which will be his first since announcing his retirement three years ago and becoming president of Def Jam. The new disc is reportedly titled “Kingdom Come” and due in November via Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam. It is expected to feature production from Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Kanye West and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.In July, Pharrell Williams told Billboard.com the Neptunes are also producing tracks for the album. As previously reported, Hype Williams* will direct the music video for the first single, which is said to be “Show Me What You Got.”
“It’s probably the best record I ever did,” Nas told AllHipHop.com. “I mean, when you work in the studio for a while, sometimes you think its great, but you don’t know what it is until the people hear it. So I hope the people agree.”“I’m just with Def Jam,” Nas said. “I haven’t worked with anybody but myself. A little bit of work with Jay [Z], just for the fans out there and just for us.”
Nas said Hip-Hop is Dead will be available to retail outlets on Nov. 7.
There are several theories on what may have prompted Hov’s decision to un-retire: he got fired, he’s trying to carry Def Jam on his back to end their sales slump, Beyonce told him to step down, etc. The bigger issue, to me at least, is whether or not it’s a good idea for him to drop around the same time as Nas. (Keep in mind that The Game is also eyeing that November release date.)
How do you think these two artists will fare in terms of sales / legacy / music quality / overral impression on fans? Will they deliver or will someone get pushed back for the other? Could they possibly be onto something that we’re not aware of?
*You gotta love the way Billboard maintains that Hype Williams has been hired to direct Jay’s first video, while everyone else insists that F. Gary Gray has been tapped for the job.
