Album: “Reasonable Doubt”
Release Date: June 25, 1996
Singles: “Dead Presidents” “Ain’t No Nigga” “Can’t Knock the Hustle” “Feelin’ It”
Best Songs: “Regrets” “D’Evils” “Coming of Age” “22 Two’s”
Initially, Jay’s first solo album was just a way to impress his friends around the ‘Stuy and the rest of Brooklyn to be that nigga, but his efforts in his debut instantly got him notoriety, landing him a deal with Def Jam records. In this mafioso themed album, Jay took notes from the great Kool G Rap to perfect his craft with clever wordplay and witty lyrics setting the tone for the rest of his career.
One of the best lines: “We used to fight for building blocks, Now we fight for blocks with buildings that make a killing” – “D’Evils”