Jay Z's career thus far has been an object lesson in not giving up, as despite seemingly going nowhere with Roc A Fella records in the early days, he persisted until breaking through with "Hard Knock Life" and going on to team up with Def Jam. Loved and derided in equal measure, the song provided the springboard from which he would never look back. Chapter One is a useful retrospective then, proving that he doesn't need to sample a sappy musical to produce music of a … mehrhigh quality. Taking tracks from Reasonable Doubt, In My Lifetime Vol 1 and Hard Knock Life Vol 2, of particular note is "Can't Knock The Hustle" featuring Mary J Blige, an early example of his promise. A competent performance from Puff Daddy is also present, on "I Know What Girls Like", and "Can I Get A...." featuring Ja Rule is a genuine foot stomper. Jay Z's rhyming, while never particularly inspired, is better than competent and always consistent, a rare feat in itself. --Chris Blenkarn weniger

CD 1
01 - Hard Knock Life (The Ghetto Anthem) (Radio Edit)
02 - Wishing On A Star (Radio Edit)
03 - Sunshine (Radio Edit)
04 - The City Is Mine (Album Version)… mehr
05 - Can't Knock The Hustle (Radio Edit)
06 - Ain't No Nigga (Original Radio Edit)
07 - Imaginary Player
08 - Money Ain't A Thang
09 - Can I Get A...
10 - Streets Is Watching
11 - Money, Cash, Hoes
12 - I Know What Girls Like ('fly Girly' Dub)
13 - Feelin' It
14 - Dead Presidents Ii
15 - Wishing On A Star (D Influence Remix)
16 - Can't Knock The Hustle (Fool's Paradise Remix)
17 - Ain't No Nigga (Rae & Christian Mix) weniger