4:44
by Jay-Z
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. The Wire
    Oct 11, 2017
    60
    A few tracks stand apart: "Story Of OJ" and "Mercy Me" both impress for verve and venom if not his every chain of thought. Otherwise it's all so dry that after a couple of listens it feels more like spoken word. [Sep 2017, p.62]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 1, 2017
    60
    It's 10 tracks are produced by veteran Chicagoan No ID, who provides a consistently soulful feel for the rapper's reflection on family, fatherhood and fidelity. [Sep 2017, p.110]
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  3. NOW Magazine
    Jul 5, 2017
    60
    4:44 is intimate, refined and mature--fascinating partly despite its flaws and partly because of them.
  5. The Guardian
    Jun 30, 2017
    60
    What is on offer for the rap fans who simply don’t care about Jay-Z’s personal life? Truthfully, not much. It’s a likable headphone album for the backpack-rap crowd, deliberately avoiding the sort of club anthem that might spoil the vibe.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 2, 2017
    54
    JAY-Z tries to invigorate his musical career by connecting with himself for other people's sake. In total, it sounds like what it is, a business leader for whom the personal proves troublingly difficult to connect with.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2017
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 405 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 316 out of 405
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 405
  3. Negative: 63 out of 405
  1. aguarner11
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    Hov consolidates himself as the greatest rapper of all time in this album. He speaks truth and his flow is still incredible. I would haveHov consolidates himself as the greatest rapper of all time in this album. He speaks truth and his flow is still incredible. I would have liked a longer album but it's better having only 10 tracks if all of them are great.… Full Review »
  2. Dannybrownstan
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    Jay z proved himself to everyone that after 21 years since his masterpiece Reasonable Doubt he can still put out a quality project. With thisJay z proved himself to everyone that after 21 years since his masterpiece Reasonable Doubt he can still put out a quality project. With this album Jay comes as the objective goat, he has longetivity, never lost relevancy, has many quality projects and is a billionaire this album is great and an improvement to Mchg. Very focused album no filler and straight on point… Full Review »
  3. Blakewmorrisuk
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    At 47 years old, Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Sean Carter entered his third decade in the industry with a project reminiscent of his pastAt 47 years old, Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Sean Carter entered his third decade in the industry with a project reminiscent of his past - in both story and sound.

    Project 4:44, produced by NO I.D., is truly characterized by it's samples. From the laid back grooves off Nina Simone's 'Baltimore' to the thrill inducing cries of Hannah Williams & The Affirmation's 'Late Nights and Heartbreaks' one may find themselves asking, "Did I click on a Bond movie soundtrack by mistake?" Though only 10 tracks, the samples provide Carter's 13th studio album the fullness of a two-disc release; with each sample providing a stroke of pain, pride, power, and regret on the canvas of fortune.

    Accompanying the top-of-the line production is arguably Carters' greatest display of lyricism in his twenty-one year career. Void of the stylized grunts punctuating each verse in Magna Carta Holy Grail, 4:44's unsatisfactory predecessor, the world-renowned songwriter's ink runs dry in an industry that has long left the pen behind. Whether it be a heartbreaking revelation of the $1.16 billion dollar couple's infidelities or the disappointed condemnations of a younger brother's missteps - each song is a different chapter in the diary of New York's finest.

    4:44 is both a shining testament to the legendary artist's unparalleled success and a humbling self-exposé of a prideful man's sinner's remorse. On behalf of hip-hop, old and new, thank you for your continued contributions to the industry, Mr. Carter. Or, to put it more plainly: you crazy for this one, Jay!    … Full Review »
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