
Jay Z would like everyone to believe that Reasonable Doubt is a lot more of a ‘classic’ than it actually is. Granted, ‘Ain’t No Nigga’ was an unstoppable behemoth of a single, and there was a certain charm to hearing S. Carter’s early musings over Ski and DJ Premier beats, but in no way, shape, or form did it even approach the buzz and impact of Ready To Die, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Illmatic, or The Score when it was first ushered into the world. As Jay’s star has risen, Reasonable Doubt has come to be regarded with higher esteem – a look back at the ‘salad days’ before Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and that horrible ‘Sunshine’ single. As part of this continued attempt to re-write history, an RD-themed pop-up event took place in New Yitty where Hova stans were able to purchase Mary J. Blige throat lozenges, a letter of rejection from Steve Stoute regarding Dame Dash’s request to get a Nas feature, and milk cartons with Jaz-O’s photo on the side. Might I suggest some more interesting classic rap records that would make for a more entertaining novelty shop?