Still, hearing the mix does plant a seed of wonder. Could Jay-Z have really been trying to “pull one over” on Hip-Hop fans? Industry insiders say the answer is yes.

Billy Ray Valentine, an underground artist/producer pointed to the limited knowledge of rap history that fans tend to display. “Kids don’t know rap songs from the early 90’s…and the 80’s are ancient history. If it ain’t on the radio, they don’t even know it.”

True Jay-Z fans see cause for reasonable doubt. “Jay ain’t tryin to fool anybody…” says Pimp Mike, a promoter in Chicago. “We’re talking about one of the realest guys out there. Just because he quotes Biggie or Tupac doesn’t make him a biter. When you listen to (Jay-Z) spit, you can tell that he’s giving props to those dudes. His stuff speaks for itself.”

Indeed it may. With over 17 million records sold, Jay-Z is one of the most prolific rap artists ever. The debate is sure to rage on, but before you call Jay-Z a biter; consider this: for better or worse his original style has helped influence a new generation of young artists to change clothes, brush their shoulders off, and hustle their own way into Hip-Hop history.

Jay Z Biter or Writer Lyrics

Biggie - "Hypnotize"
"That's why I, squeeze first ask quesions last. That's how most of these so called gangstas pass"
Jigga - "Squeeze 1st"
"That's why I, squeeze first ask quesions last. That's how most of these so called gangstas pass"

Biggie - "The World Is Filled"
"When the Remi's in the system, ain't no tellin will I f*&$ em will I diss em, that's what these h*& yellin I'm a pimp by blood, not relation Y'all still chase on, I'll replace on, punks Drunk of Dom"
Jay-Z - "Give It 2 Me"
"When the Remi's in the system, ain't no tellin Will I f^%$# 'em will I diss 'em, that's what they be yellin I'm a pimp by blood, not relation Y'all be chasin, I replace them, huh?
Drunk off Crist"

Biggie - "Who Shot Ya"
Thou shalt not f%$# with or see Poppa feel a thosand deaths...
Jay-Z - "Squeeze 1st"
Thou shalt not f%$# with raw me, or he face a thousand deaths...

Biggie - "Unbelievable"
"Get ready to die, tell God I said hi And throw down some ice, for the nicest MC"
Jay-Z - "Friend or Foe 98"
"Do me a favor dude, get 2 ice cubes I pass them take that ice up, for the nicest MC"

Biggie - "Kick in The Door"
"Your reign on top was short than leprechauns"
Jay-Z - "The Ruler's Back"
"Your reign on the top was shorter than leprechauns" Continued on page 3 »