Jay-Z, ‘Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life’ – Legendary Albums of the 1990s

Jay-Z made his debut in 1996 and while 'Reasonable Doubt' is most certainly one of hip-hop's classic albums, it was 1998's 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life' that put him at the forefront of what hip-hop had become in a few short years. Rap music went from gritty in the early 1990s to gold-plated before the new millennium. Songs like 'Hard Knock Life' and 'Can I Get A...' made Jay a household name. His Roc-A-Fella team was at the top of the food chain, making hit after hit and upping the stakes for all competitors -- the late '90s belonged to the Roc and 'Vol. 2''s success had much to do with it.

Watch Jay-Z's 'Hard Knock Life' Video