Jay-Z to Release 'American Gangster'

Less than a year after Jay-Zs comeback album Kingdom Come, the president of Def Jam has hit the studio to record his first concept album. Inspired by the upcoming Denzel Washington / Russell Crowe film with the same title; American Gangster. A Ridley Scott directed film that portrays the life of Frank Lucas, a 1970s heroin kingpin out of Harlem.

In a recent interview with The New York Times Jay revealed that the film sparked his creative side; leading to nine recorded tracks, in which almost everyone was impelled by specific scenes in the movie. It was like I was watching the film, and putting it on pause, and giving a back story to the story, he noted.

After Brian Grazer (the films producer) and Scott resisted grabbing Jay-Z for the films soundtrack, Jay offered to put out his own album in association with the movie; while Def Jam will take care of the official soundtrack (including songs from the Staple Singers, Bobby Womack and Sam & Dave).

Watching that film, it brought back all these memories It took me back to those emotions, Jay said and while stating that American Gangster will be a return to the gritty, uncensored view of life on the streets.

Throughout the interview Jay was said to be elated about his creative process while repeatedly interrupting himself to mouth lyrics like the following, from a track entitled No Hook

Poor me, dad was gone, finally got my dad back/ liver bad, he wouldnt live long, it snatched my dad back

And the following from another track

This is the genesis of a nemesis/ mother Americas not witnessed since/ the Harlem Renaissance/ birthed black businesses

Be sure to check out the first single (produced by Pharrell) Blue Magic in HipHopDX's audio section!