Luxury rap from hip-hop royalty, packaged in equally lavish form. Watch the Throne brings together two of music’s wealthiest and most influential figures—Jay-Z and Kanye West—for an opulent celebration of success, ambition, and power. Housed in a stunning gold-embossed, cross-shaped jacket designed by Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy), the 2LP picture disc edition also includes a 24" x 24" poster. The album was recorded in cities as extravagant as its themes—London, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Paris, and New York—and features a heavy-hitting lineup of producers: RZA, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, Swizz Beatz, No I.D., Lex Luger, The Neptunes, Mike Dean, and Kanye himself, among others. Musically, it builds on the grand, orchestral palette of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, leaning into progressive rock, dramatic flourishes, and unconventional structures. Lyrically, Jay and Ye trade razor-sharp verses about opulence, fame, materialism, and the burdens of success. While some critics have taken issue with the album's relentless luxury talk, it’s also a reflection of reality—these are two artists at the height of their wealth and influence, unapologetically documenting their world. Standouts include the iconic club/radio anthems “H•A•M” and “N***** in Paris”, along with “Otis,” “No Church in the Wild,” “Lift Off,” “New Day,” and “The Joy.” Guest appearances from Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Curtis Mayfield, and Mr. Hudson round out this modern rap classic. The 2LP (pic disc with Jay-Z and Kanye West images) album comes packaged in gold-embossed jacket. A 24" x 24" poster is included, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

• Gold-embossed cover
• includes poster
• double picture disc vinyl pressing
• music label: Roc-A-Fella

reviewed by nakinboots 01/2012