Jay-Z's new Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam set "The Black Album" -- which was originally scheduled for an off-cycle release Nov. 28, or "Black Friday" -- may be coming out earlier, apparently due to piracy fears. Sources tell Billboard Bulletin the Island Def Jam Music Group at first considered a Nov. 18 release, but is now also eyeing Friday, Nov. 14.

A number of logistical questions must be answered before the final date can be set, but in the meantime, Universal Music & Video Distribution is maneuvering to set the album up in time for the earlier Nov. 14 date, retailers say. Island Def Jam did not return a call for comment.

The original release date of "The Black Album" was the day after Thanksgiving -- the biggest shopping day of the year, called Black Friday because it pushes many retailers out of red ink into black. However, that day also presented problems, with some merchants fearing they wouldn't receive product in time because of the holiday.

"The Black Album" is tipped to be Jay-Z's final release. He will celebrate the album with a star-studded Nov. 25 show at New York's Madison Square Garden, and will also play local radio station Z100's Dec. 11 Jingle Ball at the same venue.

Yeah.. 3 guys I chat with already had the new Jay-Z, Timbaland & Magoo, and G-Unit on mp3.

I made one of them play a 10-second "insert clip" on AIM of "Justify My Thug". Sounds like DJ Quik made a new beat, so Madonna's voice isn't even sampled on it; It must be a different chick singing.

"Black Album" doesn't have guest rappers on it, which is a relief. The dude who agreed with me that Blueprint-2 SUCKED said Black Album is brilliant.

Black Album Tracklist:
1. Intro (1:21)
2. December 4 (4:33)
3. What More Can I Say (4:55)
4. Encore (4:11)
5. Change Clothes And Go (4:18) - produced by Neptunes
6. The Threat (4:05)
7. Soundtrack (4:06)
8. Moment of Clarity (4:24) - produced by Eminem
9. 99 Problems (3:54) - produced by Rick Rubin
10. My Name Is Hov (2:53)
11. Justify My Thug (4:04) - produced by DJ Quik
12. Lucifer (3:12)
13. The Theater (4:52)
14. My First Song (4:45)

Producers include:
9th Wonder, Just Blaze, Buchanans, Timbaland, Rick Rubin, Eminem, DJ Quik, Neptunes, Kanye West

I was told that "99 Problems" has the old Run-DMC/Beastie Boys rock sound to it and is actually produced by the architect of that sound, Rick Rubin.

I've been informed that this tracklist might have the wrong titles, as there is a song called "Allure" produced by the Neptunes in addition to "Change Clothes And Go". And the Timbaland track is called "Dirt Off Your Shoulder". There are 14 tracks though.

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new info edit
[This message was edited Wed Nov 5 14:31:51 PST 2003 by CinisterCee]

Rumor has it Roc-A-Fella might release it with some bonus tracks not available on the bootleg, including a new production by DJ Premier!

can't wait

was has to have an intro, or outro, or seque

When is Jay-Z's 'Black Album' gonna b released in the UK?

Hope it is as good as "The Blueprint" and not as bad as "The Blueprint 2"!

VinnyM27 said:

That's exactly what you can expect!

after this record, the world will finally realize that Jay-Z was one of the shittiest rappers (and there are a lot of them out there!) around...This Black Album thing Thank God will be the last torture act from Jay-Z as a 'rapper'.

abierman said:

What the hell do you think you know about hip-hop to make such a declaration?

I've had it for a few days, and the positives outweigh the negatives. It's not my new 'record of the month' or anything, but it's a fine effort.