Jay-Z Vol. 3... Life and Times of Shawn Carter

4 stars out of 5 - "...his strongest album to date, with music that's filled with catchy hooks, rump-shaking beats and lyrics fueled by Jay's hustler's vigilance....life is good for Jigga..."
"...[The album] reconnects with the people who ride those run-down trains [which] run through his Brooklyn neighborhood...with flair....The key track is 'Come and Get Me' in which [he] stares down the playa hatas over [beats] by Timbaland..." - Rating: B+
"...one of the most prolific hip-hop artists of our time....[delivers] a solid collection of mix-tape-ready gems that bring all coastal styles and aesthetics to the Brooklyn borough..."
4 mics out of 5 - "...[Jigga] reveals why he is the most influential hip-hop artist alive today. Songs like 'So Ghetto,' 'Do It Again' and 'Come and Get Me' highlight [his] uncanny ability to transform bumpin' tracks into cleverly crafted hip-hop anthems..."
7 out of 10 - "...a series of uptempo party tunes much leavened by threats to the masculinity of competitors, as [he] uses his pen to cast himself as 'Dope Man', hustler, pimp and teacher....intelligent...Jay-Z spits venom one minute and cool out the next."