This documentary is part making of THE BLACK ALBUM and part his retirement concert in Madison Square Guarden intertwined with each other.
Throughout the documentary there is constant talk of Jay-Z's retirement with fans and friends talking about how they can't believe the Jigga man is retiring.
But of course that all turned out to be nothing more than a publicity stunt because 2 years later he released a new album and have made countless albums since.
So it definitely loses it's value from that fact, although tbh I and many others never believed him when he said he was retiring and there are enough good performances and insight on the making of the album that it makes worth watching regardless (if you're a fan).
Even if Jay-Z's performance on MTV's UNPLUGGED was a lot better though.
So yeah nothing amazing, and the retirement was just another hustle for Hov to put on his resumé and as he said 'you can't knock the hustle' so I guess we can't knock it too hard, and it's a hard knock life after all so knock knock on.
Fade to Black
2004
Documentary
Fade to Black
2004
Documentary
Keywords: concert
Plot summary
An intimate look at hip-hop artist Shawn Carter, Jay-Z, revealing the multiple Grammy Award winning artist as never before, from his background and rise to fame to the recording of his last album. The film chronicles the legendary concert of Jay-Z's performance at Madison Square Garden in November 2003. In an unprecedented event, a hip-hop artist sold out an arena in only two hours. Nearly one year later, fans and artists alike still reflect on this monumental musical night. The event was a spectacular culmination of Jay-Z's recording career prior to his self-proclaimed retirement from solo performing. Yet this one night also defined a musical generation, showcasing the evolution and reach of the world's most popular music genre. Guest performers included Jay-Z's closest friends and music industry colleagues: Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Foxy Brown, Pharrell, and Questlove and The Illadelphonics along with appearances by hip hop icons Damon Dash, Rick Rubin, Slick Rick, P. Diddy and many others. Viewers get the rare glimpse of Jay-Z's creative process as he searches for inspiration, poetry, and perfection in his songs. Narrated by Jay-Z, his account of the night takes on reflections of his entire musical career and his journey that led to this one astounding, fabled evening--rightfully called "Fade To Black."
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
When Jay-Z retired from rap (2004)
It's The Audience's Energy, Not The Performers'
I have just looked at this concert film on Turner Classic Movies. There have been a lot of concert movies running on that venue recently, and I run the risk of overdosing on them. Nonetheless, it was there, and it look at it.
First, I need to note that I am not the core audience for rap music. It's not my music at all, even though I can link it to the talking blues and recitative. The simplicity of its music and the crudeness of its language both bore me. So, can I place myself in the dual position of one of this show's audience, while standing far enough outside to judge its inherent value? You be the judge of that.
It is mostly a stage show, and an obviously and carefully plotted one, that makes its performers and the artists that walk onstage for an 'impromptu' rap battle look far less than spontaneous to my eye. Clearly, however, the theater audience doesn't care, and it's their energy that is infectious, energy that breaks through the constrained pace of the rappers.
Already a classic hiphop video
If you're a Jay Z fan this registration is a trip down memory lane. The concert and the backgrounds behind the songs off the Black Album are portrayed and during one last concert at Madison Square Garden the roof is blown off by one of rap's most talented mc's. Starring everyone from Mary J Blige, Beyonce to R. Kelly as guest performers this show has it all. One hell of a concert will give you insights into his music and if you weren't a fan yet, you will be after the credits roll.
Most hiphop or concert videos are done poorly. A few takes behind the scenes of bored band members and screaming groupies tell you nothing your imagination couldn't have figured out for itself. This movie however shows new insights into the way the collaboration with different artists works and yet doesn't distract from it's main purpose: show you the music, send you the vibe people must have had at the concert at Madison Square Garden.
Top notch!