AudioShocker

Just last week I noted that Flo Rida was no JayZ. That may have been a little harsh but I stand by it. However, after watching JayZ's new video I Know, it might not be such a bad thing. Ready for the analysis? As usual our discussion will encompass the beat, video, content, and vocals.

The Beat: I didn't like Blue Magic. I don't like this beat either and both were produced by The Neptunes. I think Pharrell keeps the best beats for tracks where he gets a video cameo. I am remarkably unimpressed by this beat. It is too acid/downtempo (well, minus some of the bass). This shit belongs in a darkly lit lounge. And speaking of darkly lit...

The Video: Who shoots an entire video in the dark? Whatever the significance, it is lost upon me. Why even bother shooting a video if you can't see it? Even Bjork videos make more sense than this.

The Content: According to MTV, 'Jigga's not just an obsession -- he's an addiction.' Ok, I get it: JayZ's music/lovegame is so fresh that this girl is straight fiending for it. The punchlines and metaphors aren't top notch - but they don't depend on namedropping either (which is good). The sexual/addiction angle is well applied and tame enough that it won't be mutilated by radio.

The Vocals: JayZ has a great delivery and can ride beats exceptionally well. It is well documented, and I can't clown it at all. Remember the Gray Album and how awesome that was? Yeah, me too. However, Jigga's delivery is out of place here. The whole thing sounds like an extended guest verse on someone else's track. I am not feeling it.

The Bottom Line: The merit of the verse is overpowered by the mediocrity of the beat and unwatchable video. Maybe someone will remix this over another beat and it'll sound better. The only good track/video off this disc so far has been Roc Boys (And the Winner Is).