 Despite finding its conceptual style flawed, The Observer's Steve Yates praised Jay-Z's reflections on fame and "the voracious capitalism (up- and downside), which is proving hip hop's most durable legacy", adding that "It's Jay-Z's and American Gangster's triumph that reflecting on his appetite seems to have reawakened it". Sputnikmusic's Cam commented that lyrically, it "may be the smartest album Jay has ever released". In a mixed review, Louis Pattison of NME was ambivalent towards its "low-key" style and stated, "You leave ‘ American Gangster ’ longing for more of this don ’ t-give-a-fuck attitude, but the feeling that presides is Jay-Z patting his wallet". In his consumer guide for MSN Music, Robert Christgau gave the album a one-star honorable mention (), indicating "a worthy effort consumers attuned to its overriding aesthetic or individual vision may well like." He cited "Blue Magic" and "Say Hello" as highlights and quipped, "Jay-Z, that's a brand name, like Pepsi, that's a brand name – he stands behind it, he guarantees it, even if you don't know him any more than you know the chairman of Universal Music".
