Two days ago marked a big moment in hip hop history, the day Jay-Z completed his transition from minor star to the biggest figure in hip hop. Fifteen years ago, Jay-Z released his third album, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life. When the summer of 1998 came to a close, Jay-Z began pushing his new music.
Jay-Z put forth a strong run of music in 1997, but he didn’t get shine until he broke through on the radio with “Can I Get A…” This record is notable for introducing Ja Rule and Amil to the scene. Many said, Jay-Z deviated from his original street tales for the pop scene with Hard Knock Life, but the album was full of good material.
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” went on to become a classic record, which has not left over the past fifteen years. Other singles off the album include “Money, Cash, Hoes,” with DMX and “Nigga What, Nigga Who” with Jaz-O. Features were rounded out with Memphis Bleek, Jermaine Dupri, The L.O.X., Beanie Sigel, Foxy Brown, and more.
Too $hort continued his collaborative relationship with Jay-Z on Vol. 2, as did Sauce Money. The hidden track on the album is the notable hit with Jermaine Dupri, “Money Ain’t a Thang.”
