JAY-Z's Vol. 3... Life And Times Of S. Carter is a seminal work in the hip hop canon, released on 28 December 1999 through Roc-A-Fella. This East Coast hip hop masterpiece showcases JAY-Z's lyrical prowess and genre-bending style, blending rap with infectious beats and memorable hooks. The 17-track album is a testament to JAY-Z's storytelling ability, with tracks like 'So Ghetto', 'Big Pimpin'', and 'S. Carter' demonstrating his unique blend of swagger and vulnerability.
With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, Vol. 3... Life And Times Of S. Carter is a substantial and engaging listen, taking listeners on a journey through JAY-Z's experiences and observations. From the intro 'Hova Song' to the outro of the same name, the album is a cohesive and expertly crafted work that solidifies JAY-Z's position as a leading figure in hip hop. Genres of hip hop, East Coast hip hop, and rap are seamlessly intertwined, resulting in an album that is both a classic of its time and a timeless masterpiece.