On December 28th 1999 JAY-Z dropped his 4th studio album Vol… 3 Life And Times Of S. Carter. The album features many highly regarded producers such as Timbaland, DJ Premier, Swizz Beatz and Rockwilder. Highly regarded names don’t stop at producers since along with Roc-A-Fella features, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek & Amil the album features Missy Elliott, UGK, Juvenile & Mariah Carey.

Life And Times Of S. Carter debuted at #1 on Billboard 200 selling 462 000 copies in its first week and has now sold over 3 000 000 copies worldwide. The album has produced four singles “Do It Again (Put Your Hands Up)”, “Things That U Do”, “Anything” & “Big Pimpin'” from which “Big Pimpin'” must be the most recognizible chartin #18 on Billboard Hot 100.

Some critics at the time found the album to be the best JAY-Z had released at that point of his career.

Tracklist:

01 Hova Song (Intro)

02 So Ghetto

03 Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up) ft. Amil & Beanie Sigel

04 Dope Man

05 Things That U Do ft. Mariah Carey

06 It’s Hot (Some Like It Hot)

07 Snoopy Track ft. Juvenile

08 S. Carter ft. Amil

09 Pop 4 Roc ft. Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek & Amil

10 Hova Interlude/Watch Me ft. Dr. Dre*****

11 Big Pimpin’ ft. UGK

12 Is That Yo Bitch ft. Twista & Missy Elliott/There’s Been A Murder*

13 Come And Get Me

14 NYMP

15 Hova Song (Outro)

16 Anything*

Hidden tracks:

Jigga My Nigga

Girl’s Best Friend

*Depending of the released version

My personal favorite tracks; Do It Again, Dope Man, It’s Hot, Big Pimpin’ & Anything. In my opinion the best volume JAY-Z has released.

Questions?

What are your favorite tracks? Where does this album rank in Jay’s discography? What about Volumes? The album has a lot of big name producers. Did they deliver? Was JAY-Z doubling his dollars on this album lyrically? How does this album compare to the other albums released at the change of millenium?