Was 'Kingdom Come' misunderstood? My Retro Album Review explores Jay-Z's 2006 masterpiece

Ever wondered how Jay-Z's 'Kingdom Come' holds up today?Photo bybillboard.com

2006 was a transformative year in hip-hop. Lil’ Wayne dominated the industry, beginning his ascent to becoming one of the best rappers of all time. T.I. had secured two platinum albums, Young Jeezy was a rising star from Atlanta, and The Game was basking in the success of his triple platinum debut album from the previous year. Hip-hop saw new themes and concepts, with auto-tune just beginning to storm the industry, and maturity seemingly absent from the scene.

Hip-hop has always been a young person’s playground, but that was about to change, whether people knew it or not. Jay-Z released his 9th studio album, “Kingdom Come,” after a three-year hiatus during which he took on the role of President of Def Jam in 2004 and declared himself retired. “Kingdom Come” marked Jay-Z’s return to a transformed hip-hop landscape, vastly different from the one he left with “The Black Album” in 2003.

Anticipation was high for Jay-Z’s return. By this point, he had sold over 30 million albums and singles and was considered one of the best hip-hop artists of all time. Despite the anticipation, Jay-Z faced immense pressure to deliver a great new album post-retirement to officially declare himself the King of Kings in hip-hop.

When “Kingdom Come” dropped in November 2006, it wasn’t received well sonically. Jay-Z was releasing an album amidst the eccentricity of Lil’ Wayne, the eclecticism of Kanye West, the hustle wave of Jeezy, the smoothness of T.I., and the ruggedness of The Game — all champions of hip-hop at the time. Jay-Z felt like an old high school senior returning to tell the new juniors what the high school used to be like when he ran the halls and that they should straightened up .

“Kingdom Come” discussed wealth, being a businessman, mental and spiritual health, maturity, and American success — reflecting Jay-Z’s real life then and now. Meanwhile, the top radio hits were about selling drugs, having women, making street money, and a bit of immaturity. Jay-Z’s mature and life-lesson-filled “Kingdom Come” was up against youthfulness, ambition, and energy.

The album opens with “The Prelude,” featuring a sample audio that seems to express Jay-Z’s mindset at the time. Reflecting on hip-hop’s evolution during his three years off, Jay-Z needed to leave to elevate and come back, separating himself from the pack. “Oh My God” and “Kingdom Come, ” the title track, follow. Here, Jay-Z nods to the hustlers of NYC, acknowledging the new champions of hip-hop while reclaiming his throne. Here Jay-z is nodding his hat to the people he speaks to the most hustlers of his city of NYC. This was a chess play because at the time Jay-z knew that in his absence the other guys had planted their flags in their states. Jay-z spoke to and for whom he needed behind him The hustlers of NYC

“Show Me What You Got” was the official single of the album, but it wasn’t like Jay-Z’s past singles. It wasn’t contemporary or for a young crowd. Instead, it seemed tailored for the people Jay-Z likely spent his days around — big Willie style millionaires. This was Hamptons music for guys in polo shirts and flip flops, an odd choice for a single at the time. Remember the #1 rap song of 2006 was “Riding Dirty” by Chamillionaire .

“Lost Ones” and “Do U Wanna Ride” showcase Jay-Z’s vulnerability, revealing small glimpses into his personality, losses, hurt, and his relationship with Beyoncé. John Legend’s hook on “Do U Wanna Ride” is exceptional. After this point in the album fans were expecting an “I Just Wanna Luv U” or “Big Pimpin’” track, but instead, we got “30 Something.” Jay-Z talks about maturity, wealth, and power, battling the idea of being 30 himself. The hook, “30’s the new 20, man, I’m so hot still,” attempts to convince the audience that being older is cool because you can buy cool things. However, this disconnects with younger fans who were just starting to buy out the bar, not the nightspot.

“I Made It” is dedicated to Gloria Carter, a mama dedication that earns a pass. But then the album takes a weird turn with “Anything,” “Hollywood,” and “Trouble” — three misses. Even Beyoncé couldn’t save this zone of the album. These tracks felt like throwaways that didn’t make it onto “The Blueprint 2,” either bricked shots or a deliberate shedding of his old persona.

“Dig A Hole” is a diss track aimed at those who took shots at Jay-Z during his time away. The beat is amazing, and the track is fire, possibly the best on the album at first listen value. “Minority Report,” a song on social commentary, feels out of place and unnecessary, with Jay-Z offering subpar critique on minority issues without taking a stand.

“Beach Chair” is probably the best track on the album, featuring soul-touching production and a hook by Chris Martin. Jay-Z speaks of mental and spiritual stability, conveying peace with who he is and what he’s done. This track touches the soul of listeners and was missing from hip-hop at the time.

In 2024, “Kingdom Come” is recognized as the album we needed but weren’t ready for. It was the prelude to “4:44.” “Kingdom Come” tells us to grow up, while “4:44” tells us to live. Jay-Z’s concepts of growth as a businessman birthed albums like “T.I. vs. T.I.P. by T.I,” “Graduation, by Kanye West” “From Nothin’ to Somethin’, by Faboulous” “The Recession,” by Jeezy and “Deeper Than Rap.” by Rick Ross . Jay-Z was ahead of the curve, but in 2006, he was just too far ahead.

Project Review Breakdown:

• Beats: 5/10
• Lyrics: 7/10
• Concepts: 8/10
• Rollout: 10/10
• Replay Value: 6/10

Total Average Score: 7.2/10