99 Problems by JAY-Z Song Info
JAY-Z's 99 Problems is a landmark hip-hop song, released as the third single from his critically acclaimed The Black Album on April 27, 2004. Produced by Rick Rubin—known for his work with Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, and Johnny Cash—the track masterfully blends hip-hop and rock through its stripped-down beat and aggressive guitar riff. This approach marked a notable shift from the hip-hop production styles common in the early 2000s. The track's innovative production samples from multiple musical genres: The Big Beat (1980): This rock anthem's iconic drum pattern forms the backbone of "99 Problems," creating one of hip-hop's most recognizable rock samples Long Red (1972): Drums Get Me Back On Time (1973): This soul classic contributes vital percussion elements to the song's layered rhythmic foundation The chorus pays tribute to Ice-T's 1993 single of the same name, exemplifying hip-hop's tradition of building upon earlier works. Through its lyrics, the song delivers powerful social commentary on three distinct themes: 1. Music Industry Commentary: The song challenges JAY-Z's critics and industry gatekeepers who questioned his authenticity and artistic vision 2. Law Enforcement Critique: The second verse delivers a powerful narrative about racial profiling through masterful dialogue and storytelling, highlighting systemic issues in law enforcement practices 3. Industry Navigation: The track examines the challenges of being an independent artist and businessman in the hip-hop industry The second verse has become particularly notable in legal academia, where scholars study its accurate portrayal of Fourth Amendment rights during police encounters. The verse draws from JAY-Z's real-life experience with law enforcement in New Jersey in 1994[2], and is now used as an educational tool in law schools for teaching search and seizure laws. The song's influence transcended traditional hip-hop boundaries. At Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration staff ball, JAY-Z performed a modified version with the line "I got 99 problems but a Bush ain't one"[2], marking hip-hop's evolution from street culture to mainstream political discourse. The Mark Romanek-directed music video (director of Johnny Cash's Hurt) stands as a masterwork of visual metaphor. Filmed in stark black and white, it concludes with a symbolic scene of JAY-Z being shot repeatedly, representing his JAY-Z persona's metaphorical death and Shawn Carter's rebirth[1]. This visual statement complemented his announced departure from rap after The Black Album, though he would eventually return to music.
