With Jay-Z’s classic album Reasonable Doubt turning 20 just days ago, there have been a number of special events commemorating its release. One was the announcement of plans for a pop-up shop which recreates the look of the apartment Jay-Z called home during the 1990s. Now, to add to the celebrationa, his streaming company Tidal has decided to release an exclusive documentary honouring the release of this watershed rap record even further.
Titled RD:20, the 35-minute long documentary is directed by Scheme Engine and depicts Jay’s rise, the album’s creation and the legacy it has left behind. Split into sections named after tracks from the album, including Politics As Usual, Friend or Foe, Dead Presidents II, this is sure to be one thorough look into an album that launched the career of one of hip-hop’s most iconic artists.
The documentary features interviews with some of the key figures in Jay-Z’s career such as DJ Premier, DJ Clark Kent, Ski, Kareem “Biggs” Burke (co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records), Memphis Bleek and album cover photographer Jonathan Mannion, all of them providing unprecedented insight into the story behind Reasonable Doubt and making RD:20 one of the most comprehensive looks into a hip-hop album to date.
On top of that, viewers even get some live footage of Jay performing songs with a live band in the studio with Vic Mensa and Jay Electronica appearing as members of the audience.
If you don’t have Tidal, there’s still hope! Free trials are still available, so check out the trailer below and get on it!
For further reading, check out our Flashback Friday featuring Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt
Image: DJ Booth