Studio Album · No. 3
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life Songwriting Credits by Jay-Z
Produced by DJ Premier, The 45 King, Swizz Beatz, Stevie J, Timbaland, J-Runnah, Irv Gotti, Lil Rob, Erick Sermon, Rockwilder, Kid Capri, Damon Dash, Mahogany, Jermaine Dupri
Holds writing credit on 14 of 14 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 14 / 14 documented
Scored across the 14 tracks with documented writers, by whether Jay-Z carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 14 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Awards & Recognition 1
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life is Jay-Z's commercial breakthrough, and the credits show his lyricist-only model scaling up to pop. He wrote every verse, while the composer column lists a marquee producer on each track and the sample writers behind hits like 'Hard Knock Life,' which credits the writers of Annie. The album is a producer summit with Jay-Z as the single constant author of the words.
Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life is the third studio album by Jay-Z, released in September 1998, and the record that turned him into a mainstream superstar. Built on the unlikely crossover hit 'Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),' which loops the chorus from the musical Annie, it pairs his writing with a who's who of late-90s production including Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, DJ Premier, and the 45 King. Jay-Z wrote all of his own verses, and the music credits again belong to producers and a long roster of sample sources from the Isley Brothers to Talking Heads. The guest list runs deep with DMX, Ja Rule, the LOX, Too $hort, and Jermaine Dupri. The album sold more than five million copies, was certified six-times platinum, and won the Grammy for Best Rap Album.
Track Listing & Credits 14 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Intro - Hand It Down
|
Jay-ZMemphis Bleek | Christopher Martin | DJ Premier | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Memphis Bleek (Featured Vocals) |
| 2 |
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
#15
|
Jay-Z | Mark JamesCharles StrouseMartin Charnin | The 45 King | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
If I Should Die
|
Jay-ZMalcolm ByerNigel Leguerre | Kasseem Dean | Swizz Beatz | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Da Ranjahz (Featured Vocals) |
| 4 |
Ride or Die
|
Jay-Z | Steven Jordan | Stevie J | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)
#84
|
Jay-ZJaz-O | Timothy Mosley | Timbaland | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Jaz-O (Featured Vocals)Amil (Featured Vocals) |
| 6 |
Money, Cash, Hoes
|
Jay-ZDMX | Kasseem Dean | Swizz Beatz | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)DMX (Featured Vocals) |
| 7 |
A Week Ago
|
Jay-ZToo $hort | Jerald StouteErnie IsleyMarvin IsleyO'Kelly IsleyRonald IsleyRudolph IsleyChris Jasper | J-Runnah | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Too $hort (Featured Vocals) |
| 8 |
Coming of Age (Da Sequel)
|
Jay-Z | Kasseem Dean | Swizz Beatz | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Memphis Bleek (Featured Vocals) |
| 9 |
Can I Get A...
#19
|
Jay-ZJa Rule | Irving LorenzoRobert Mays | Irv GottiLil Rob | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Ja Rule (Featured Vocals)Amil (Featured Vocals) |
| 10 |
Paper Chase
|
Jay-Z | Timothy Mosley | Timbaland | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Foxy Brown (Featured Vocals) |
| 11 |
Reservoir Dogs
|
Jay-ZJadakissStyles PSheek LouchBeanie SigelSauce Money | Erick SermonIsaac Hayes | Erick SermonDarold TrotterRockwilder | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Jadakiss (Featured Vocals)Styles P (Featured Vocals)Sheek Louch (Featured Vocals)Beanie Sigel (Featured Vocals)Sauce Money (Featured Vocals) |
| 12 |
It's Like That
|
Jay-Z | Frank FriedmanDavid Love | Kid Capri | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Kid Capri (Featured Vocals) |
| 13 |
It's Alright
|
Jay-Z | Imsomie LeeperDamon DashDavid ByrneBrian EnoChris FrantzMartina WeymouthJerry Harrison | Damon DashMahogany | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Memphis Bleek (Featured Vocals) |
| 14 |
Money Ain't a Thang
#84
|
Jay-ZJermaine Dupri | Steve ArringtonCharles CarterBuddy HankersonRoger Parker | Jermaine Dupri | Jay-Z (Lead Vocals)Jermaine Dupri (Featured Vocals) |