If I'm not mistaken, this album was originally supposed to be a compilation album in order to continue to showcase Roc-A-Fella's roster beyond just Jay-Z. However, by making it a Jay-Z release, it probably helped it sell at least an additional million copies. There are a few standout songs- "The Intro", "This Can't Be Life", "Soon You'll Understand", and "Squeeze 1st". However, the highlight of the album, in my opinion is the production. It was the first time I became aware of Just Blaze and Kanye stole the show with just his single contribution, "This Can't Be Life." As far as the actual sound, in retrospect, it was like a blueprint to The Blueprint as far the beats beginning to dabble in the soulful sound that would help shape one of the best albums in hip-hop history less than a year later.
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