Jay Z - Fade to Black
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Movie Reviews of Jay Z - Fade to Black
Movie Review: Thoroughly enjoyable for any slight to moderate hip-hop fan
Summary: 4 Stars
I could probably be considered a slight to moderate Hip-hop fan at BEST, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy this DVD. All of the performances were awesome, and the "behind the scenes" material was great. Highlights for me were the 2 opening Jay-Z numbers ("What more can I say" and the second interlude on "The Black Album"), the tribute medley to Tupac and Notorious BIG, Beyonce's performances ("Crazy in Love" "Baby Boy" and "Summertime" - from The Fighting Temptations Soundtrack) , and the Jay-Z + Mary J. Blige numbers ("Can't Knock the Hustle" and "Song Cry").
Apart from wanting to see more Beyonce (I like her, what can I say?) I wish the video was that clean, crisp type of video you'd typically see on concert DVDs and news broadcasts, as opposed to the film/movie quality it had. The thing was probably intended to be a movie anyway, so I guess it made sense. They did use a bit of the clean (non-film looking) video I like in the bonus "Encore" video - which is not the same as the one shown on BET/MTV etc - so that was good.
As for the "Behind the Scenes" portions, in the studio with Timbaland (for "Dirt off your shoulder") and Rick Rubin (for "99 Problems") were my favourites. Pharrell's and Kanye West's studio portions were good as well.
The only low point of the DVD for me was when R. Kelly and Jay-Z performed a couple songs from their collab album "The Best of Both Worlds". To be completely honest, I don't like much of R. Kelly's work and think that their collab albums weren't that good - then again, I don't think I've ever really listened to them, so who am I to judge? ;-).
Any moderate Hip-hop or Jay-Z fan is likely to enjoy this DVD, and maybe even general music lovers. There are lots of guest appearances and a good mix of Jay-Z's hardcore Hip-hop as well as softer Hip-hop/R&B work from all of his albums; so both new and old fans are likely to enjoy this title.
Movie Review: Thoroughly enjoyable for any slight to moderate hip-hop fan
Summary: 4 Stars
I could probably be considered a slight to moderate Hip-hop fan at BEST, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy this DVD. All of the performances were awesome, and the "behind the scenes" material was great.
Highlights for me were the 2 opening Jay-Z numbers ("What more can I say" and the second interlude on "The Black Album"), the tribute medley to Tupac and Notorious BIG, Beyonce's performances ("Crazy in Love" "Baby Boy" and "Summertime" - from The Fighting Temptations Soundtrack) , and the Jay-Z + Mary J. Blige numbers ("Can't Knock the Hustle" and "Song Cry").
Apart from wanting to see more Beyonce (I like her, what can I say?) I wish the video was that clean, crisp type of video you'd typically see on concert DVDs and news broadcasts, as opposed to the film/movie quality it had. The thing was probably intended to be a movie anyway, so I guess it made sense. They did use a bit of the clean (non-film looking) video I like in the bonus "Encore" video - which is not the same as the one shown on BET/MTV etc - so that was good.
As for the "Behind the Scenes" portions, in the studio with Timbaland (for "Dirt off your shoulder") and Rick Rubin (for "99 Problems") were my favourites. Pharrell's and Kanye West's studio portions were good as well.
The only low point of the DVD for me was when R. Kelly and Jay-Z performed a couple songs from their collab album "The Best of Both Worlds". To be completely honest, I don't like much of R. Kelly's work and think that their collab albums weren't that good - then again, I don't think I've ever really listened to them, so who am I to judge? ;-).
Any moderate Hip-hop or Jay-Z fan is likely to enjoy this DVD, and maybe even general music lovers. There are lots of guest appearances and a good mix of Jay-Z's hardcore Hip-hop as well as softer Hip-hop/R&B work from all of his albums; so both new and old fans are likely to enjoy this title.
Movie Review: New Found Respect
Summary: 4 Stars
This is definitely a must-have for a Jay-Z fan. The film combines footage of Hov's farewell Madison Square Garden concert along with scenes involving the completion of the Black Album. The concert was surprisingly well-performed and energized by several guest stars that pay Jay respectful homage by their sheer presence, as well as lighting up the stage with their vocal collaborations. When Beyonce` pops-up to perform three songs, Jigga's facial affections are an unrehearsed mix of love, appreciation, and admiration. Things only get better when Ghostface joins Beyonce` to perform "Summertime". Behind-the-scene footage depicting the guests as they prepare to take stage enhances each duet, as well as amplifying the significance of their unique talents. The movie does a great job in capturing the emotions of the loving crowd who hang on Jay's every verse. As for the star himself, he performs in a manner exceeding his personal hype. Despite the "me-me-me" subject matter of the majority of his songs, he proves to be an impeccable lyricist and stage performer. He is clearly aware that a song is nothing without the accompanying image. Interestingly, the superstar image is basically shed as the movie presents a few studio sessions depicting Jay as he completes the Black Album. Instead of the rap icon in front of his admiring 20,000 audience, the viewer is presented with a calculating and introspective genius working within the rather crude elements of his craft. Watching Jay as he deciphers beats and formulates his lyrics is worth the price of the DVD alone.Movie Review: Performer At The Top.
Summary: 4 Stars
This show documents one of the finer performers in the rap world. While most of his contemporaries are busy fighting with each other, Jay just does his thing and blows them all away with pure talent. I notice another review here states that all rap music is garbage while ranting about it being done by a two year old. If you can find me a two year old capable of the wit and intelligence demonstrated here by Jay and his work I'll gladly buy your crappy Alyssa Milano movie. Jay is "the man", not you. Stop with the hating and try watching some real talent at work.Movie Review: Hot!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved this concert because it gave me a chance to actually listen to what Jay was saying without the distraction of the beats. I didn't see the need to have Beyonce do like 3 of her own songs when it was HIS freakin' concert but, hey, I'd want MY man to do the same for me! Jay-Z left a huge mark on the Hip-Hop game and music, period. Will you ever see another rap/Hip-Hop concert sold out in Madison Square??! Probably not! Jigga got it like that.