Jay-Z "Reasonable Doubt"

"Reasonable Doubt" is the debut studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, released on June 25, 1996, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Priority Records. The album is widely regarded as a classic of the East Coast hip hop genre.

The album features production from DJ Premier, Ski, Clark Kent, and others, and includes guest appearances from The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Nas. It is a primarily sample-based album, with Jay-Z using samples from a variety of sources, including soul and funk tracks. Upon its release, "Reasonable Doubt" was met with widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at #23 on the Billboard 200 chart and was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA.

"Dead Presidents," which was released as the lead single, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The album's second single, "Ain't No Nigga," also received significant airplay and helped to establish Jay-Z as a rising star in the hip hop world.

Other notable tracks on the album include "Can't Knock the Hustle," "D'Evils," and "Brooklyn's Finest," which showcase the rapper's smooth flow and clever wordplay. The album also features a number of skits, which add to its overall storytelling and give it a sense of cohesion.

"Reasonable Doubt" is often considered one of the best albums of the 1990s. It has been included on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time, and has been cited as a major influence on a generation of hip hop artists.

"Reasonable Doubt" is certainly an important and highly influential album in Jay-Z's discography, and it is well worth checking out for fans of hip hop.