Jay-Z Volume 2: Hard Knock Life [Explicit Content] (2 Lp's) AAD 8 (out of 10) -

8 (out of 10) - "

"4th Dimension" and "Freeee (Ghost Town

is a bittersweet pop masterpiece fleshed out by Richard's string orchestrations and smoothly produced backing vocals

every one of which seemed to celebrate a glass-half-full mentality

Jay-Z Volume 2: Hard Knock Life [Explicit Content] (2 Lp's) AAD 8 (out of 10) -Personnel includes: Jay Z (rap vocals); Wais, Half Dead, Big Jaz, Amil, Liz (vocals); Steven Jordan, Lil' Rob (various instruments); Jake Carter, Mike (guitar); Kid Capri (programming); Memphis Bleek, Da Ranjahz, DMX, Too Short, Ja Rule, Amil, Foxy Brown, Jermaine Dupri, The Lox, Beenie Siegel, Sauce Money. Producers include: Premier, Mark 45, Swizz Beats, Steven Jordan, Timbaland. Engineers include: Eddie Sancho, Paul Falcon, Joe Quinde. VOL. 2 HARD