Jay-Z "Volume 2: Hard Knock Life" 2026-05-08 12 via BMG

12 via BMG

Quik has always been quirkier and more interesting than his gangsta rap peers

Helmet and Big Black as influences for the album's sound

Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke and many others

powered by the Rev’s 1954 Gibson ES-175 and the rhythm section of Wallace and drummer Scott Churilla

Jay-Z "Volume 2: Hard Knock Life" 2026-05-08 12 via BMGVol. 2 Hard Knock Life is the third studio album by American rapper Jay Z. It was released on September 29, 1998, by Roc A Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. It went on to become his most commercially successful album, selling over 6 million copies in the United States. In the liner notes of the album, Jay Z gives his thoughts on various tracks. The lyrics to the fast paced "Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)" are also included.