Over the course of Jay Z ‘s illustrious career, he has influenced more artists and voices within popular music than one can count.
It all stems from the beginning…and in the beginning while many had faith in the Brooklyn spitter, Jay himself had Reasonable Doubt!
As we celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Hov’s debut album…let us take a look over the various relationships and music that he has touched or inspired in some way!
Please enjoy our version of six degrees of separation from Reasonable Doubt!
Ja Rule – Kill ‘Em All
Murder Inc was the brainchild of Irv Gotti who produced “Can I Live”.
DMX – Ruff Ryders’ Anthem
Irv Gotti was very vital in getting DMX signed to Def Jam and has production credits on his debut album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot”.
Foxy Brown – B.K. Anthem
Foxy Brown got her first commercial break on the the single “Ain’t No N####”.
Memphis Bleek – Is That Your Chick Ft. Missy Elliot and Jay Z
Bleek was Jay Z’s appointed apprentice, who made his debut on “Coming Of Age”.
Junior M.A.F.I.A. – Player’s Anthem Ft. The Notorious B.I.G.
This track was produced by DJ Clark Kent who did a great amount of production on Reasonable Doubt.
Sporty Thievz – No Pigeons
The Sporty Thievz “Street Cinema” album was co-produced by SKI who produced 4 songs on RD.
LL COOL J – I Shot Ya Ft. Keith Murray, Prodigy, Foxy Brown & Fat Joe
Jay Z sampled Prodigy’s lyrics from this song for “D’Evils”.
Snoop Dogg – Murder Was The Case
Jay Z sampled Snoop’s lyrics from this song for “D’Evils”.
Nas – The World Is Yours
Jay Z sampled Nas’ lyrics from this song for “Dead Presidents”.
PRhyme (DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9) – You Should Know Ft. Dwele
DJ Premier produced 3 songs RD.
Gang Starr – Militia Ft. Big Shugg & Freddie Foxx
DJ Premier produced 3 songs on RD.
Mary J. Blige – Family Affair
MJB was featured on “Can’t Knock The Hustle”.
The Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize
B.I.G. was featured on “Brooklyn’s Finest” as well as a member of the Hip Hop collective “The Commission” which Jay Z was also a part of.
Freeway – What We Do Ft. Beanie Sigel & Jay Z
Freeway is a Roc A Fella Comrade and there is no Roc A Fella without RD.
Beanie Sigel – TheTruth
Beanie is a Roc A Fella Comrade and there is no Roc A Fella without RD.
Cam’Ron – Oh Boy Ft. Juelz Santana
Cam is a Roc A Fella Comrade and there is no Roc A Fella without RD.
Kanye West – Can’t Tell Me Nothing
Kanye is a Roc A Fella Comrade and there is no Roc A Fella without RD.
Rihanna – Needed Me
Jay Z mentored her to Stardom.
J. Cole – Apparently
Cole is signed to Jay Z’s RocNation imprint.
M.O.P. – 4 Alarm Blaze Ft. Teflon & Jay Z
This was a collaboration with DJ Premier and his Brooklyn comrades a year after RD dropped.
Vic Mensa – There’s Alot Going On
Mensa is signed to Jay Z’s RocNation imprint.
T.I. – DOPE Ft. Marsha Ambrosius
Just signed a deal with Roc Nation & Tidal… Both are Jay Z companies.
Beyonce – Sorry
His Wife! Nuff said!
- KB !Mean
Twitter: @kbimean
