The Dynasty: Roc La Familia 2000
Here's a little something to tide you over until Jay-Z decides to come correct. Then again, Roc-A-Fella Records could releaseSean Carter Sings MC Hammer's Greatest Hitsand watch it ship platinum. So, it really doesn't matter ifDynastyseems to be a rather half-hearted effort from the man who many consider to be the best rapper this side ofRakim. Although presented as a solo album,Dynastyshowcases the Roc-A-Family, giving extensive mic time toBeanie SigelandMemphis Bleek, who gets a whole track (theJa Rule-esque "Holla") to himself. Amil, whose own solo album,All Money Is Legalfailed to reveal her inner queen, turns up to rhyme the hook on the posse cut, "You, Me, Him & Her." Jay-Z keeps his flow fairly straightforward here, and the beats neatly reflect his icy, relatively soulless lyrics. But of course, as the man himself has said, you "can't knock the hustle."--Rebecca Levine