Jay-Z, Kanye West – Watch The Throne (2xLP)

Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and Kanye West is a bold, luxurious collaboration that redefined what a modern rap album could be. The project is a celebration of wealth, power, and creative dominance, with both artists pushing each other to new heights. Kanye’s boundary-pushing production combined with Jay-Z’s sharp lyrical precision results in an album that’s sonically adventurous and culturally resonant. Standout tracks like “Otis” and “Niggas in Paris” became instant classics, blending soul samples with braggadocious rhymes and irreverent humor.

What elevates the album is not just its sound, but its commentary. Songs like “New Day” and “Murder to Excellence” reflect on generational trauma, fatherhood, and race with introspection and vulnerability. Jay and Kanye use their platform not just to boast, but to engage with the contradictions of their success. Watch the Throne manages to feel both celebratory and sobering, capturing a moment in time when two of hip-hop’s biggest forces joined to deliver a grand artistic statement.

Reviews

"works best when Jay and Kanye are just talking about how great they are. The single 'Otis' is dizzy fun, with Jay and Kanye rapping hard and swapping mics like hungry kids." Pitchfork

"remains a seminal album, the effects of which are still felt to this day." Mic Cheque

"it satisfies expectations perfectly. Kanye and Jay live up to their egos and literally remind us how brilliant they are." Sputnikmusic

"The most compelling aspect of Watch The Throne... is the lyrical dynamic between Jay-Z and Kanye West." HipHopDX

"A decade after Kanye proved himself as an elite producer on Jay-Z’s Blueprint, modern rap’s greatest frenemies reunited for this gold-plated monument to their own cool." Rolling Stone Australia