While it's not quite the "Jigga with an acoustic guitar" setup we'd hoped for, Jay-Z Unplugged reveals once and for all that Shawn Carter is among the few MCs who doesn't need a whole bunch of electronic wizardry to sound good. Jay-Z's timing is flawless, his hits are showcased in this performance and the audience is obviously having a great time. But aside from some witty banter with folks in the front row, Jay doesn't take this opportunity to loosen up any more than … mehrusual. In other words, don't expect much deviation from the standard wording. This Unplugged performance is a "no freestyle zone", represented by the truncated rendition of "Big Pimpin'". Mary J Blige's no-holds-barred assist on "Can't Knock the Hustle" more than makes up for this, though, demonstrating why she's been hip-hop's favourite muse for 10 years running. The Roots provide ample live band support, although Ahmir Thompson's drumming sounds rather flat and a total violin overkill does a great disservice to "Takeover", Jay's dis-out to Queensbridge. And, yes, there is a hidden studio track. According to Damon Dash, it's entitled "I Hear the People Talking."--Rebecca Levine weniger

1 - Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
2 - Takeover
3 - Girls, Girls, Girls
4 - Jigga What, Jigga Who
5 - Big Pimpin' - UGK, Jay-Z… mehr
6 - Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love)
7 - Can I Get A...
8 - Hard Knock Life
9 - Ain't No N-G-A - Jay-Z, Foxy Brown
10 - Can't Knock The Hustle - Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige
11 - Song Cry
12 - I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)
13 - Jigga That N****/People Talkin' weniger