In My Lifetime, Vol. 1

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 · After the sudden death of The Notorious B.I.G. in March 1997, this was Jay-Z's first album. It was released on 4 November 1997 on Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam. A large part of the beats came from The Hitmen, Puff Daddy's production team, which makes the record sound smoother than its predecessor Reasonable Doubt. The mafia themes gave way to the so-called jiggy era of the late 1990s. Guests included Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Babyface and Blackstreet.

He himself said that Reasonable Doubt was an introduction and that this album contains more detail and personality. The death of The Notorious B.I.G. influenced The City Is Mine, among others. The record reached number three on the Billboard 200 and went platinum. The reviews were mixed, with praise for his lyrics and criticism of the pop producers.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Intro: A Million and One Questions / Rhyme No More3:22Apple Music ↗
2. 2The City Is Mine (feat. Blackstreet)4:03Apple Music ↗
3. 3I Know What Girls Like (feat. Lil' Kim & Puff Daddy)4:51Apple Music ↗
4. 4Imaginary Players3:57Apple Music ↗
5. 5Streets Is Watching3:59Apple Music ↗
6. 6Friend or Foe '982:09Apple Music ↗
7. 7Lucky Me5:00Apple Music ↗
8. 8(Always Be My) Sunshine [feat. Babyface & Foxy Brown]4:43Apple Music ↗
9. 9Who You Wit 24:30Apple Music ↗
10. 10Face Off (feat. Sauce Money)3:32Apple Music ↗
11. 11Real N****z (feat. Too $hort)5:07Apple Music ↗
12. 12Rap Game / Crack Game2:40Apple Music ↗
13. 13Where I'm From4:27Apple Music ↗
14. 14You Must Love Me5:48Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗