Jay-Z gives more light for 'The Black Album'

NEW YORK (Jay-Z Fans Website) - Holding court with US media on Wednesday (October 22) Jay-Z shed more light on his final album and revealed that it focuses on his life before stardom.

The rapper, who has made public his intention to quit after the release of 'The Black Album', claims that he is leaving the field open for others to take hip-hop to the next level. "Hopefully, if they don't have someone to follow, they'll have to make their own thing, they'll make their songs," he said of the current competition.

Jay-Z played eight of the final 12 tracks from the album to the assembled crowd at New York's Baseline Studios and confirmed The Neptunes, Rick Rubin, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Eminem and Timbaland as producers on the album, as well as the little-known Aqua and Bucannons.

He also said that his much anticipated reunion with producer DJ Premier will not happen but was tight-lipped on the possible involvement of Dr. Dre, DJ Quik and 9th Wonder.
Tracks played included the Just Blaze produced 'December 4th', which features Jay-Z's mother recounting memories of her son's childhood, Rick Rubin's '99 Problems', The Neptunes' 'Change Clothes', Kanye West's 'Encore' and two Eminem-produced tracks, 'A Moment Of Clarity' and 'My First Song'.

On the question of what he plans to do with himself after unleashing the record, Jay-Z said: "I wanted to just put the album out but my partners were like...for all that money we gave you..."
Promotion for the album will include the Rock The Mic 2 tour.