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On November 6, Roc-A-Fella Records and JAY-Z released the new album AMERICAN GANGSTER. Separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, this collection of all-new original material is a musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the motion picture American Gangster, which pairs Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Based on the true story of criminal mastermind Frank Lucas, who came up from the streets of New York in the 70s, the film is produced by Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer and directed and produced by Ridley Scott. It opens on November 2. The conceptual, full body of work from the new album balances the line between pure entertainment and real life. JAY-Z draws upon past experiences, speaking to the harsh reality of the drug trade still taking place in our nation's cities. While not glorifying the Frank Lucas story, JAY-Z articulates the lure of a gangster's life and stands as an example of one who chose to leave those streets behind to go on and become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. Throughout AMERICAN GANGSTER, JAY-Z brings the audience into a world rich in familial relationships, hustling and the lasting effects of drugs on a community. Through its musical tone, the album complements the story as told in the major motion picture release.
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Since 1995, Jay-Z has dominated the rap industry and set the trends for a generation. Ten summers later, Shawn ;Jay-ZCarter has come to personify the new American Dream; for millions the world over. Named President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, in 2005, he is the founder and chairman of Rocawear, co-owner of the NJ Nets, 40/40 Sports Clubs and co-owner of skin care and beauty line Carol's Daughter. Jay-Z became the first non-athlete to enter into a major footwear co-venture with his S. Carter line for Reebok and in addition, continues his philanthropic work through his Water For Life initiative Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Over his career, the multiple award winner has sold over 40 million albums and sold out arenas the world over. 
