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Hip-hop’s most infamous hustler has spent the higher portion of three a long time spreading sport like gospel all through his catalog. Whether or not you’re keen on or hate him, Jay-Z’s influence on the sport goes past sixteen-bar verses and idea albums. He supplied a complete era with the blueprint on tips on how to hustle via his music. Not many rappers can say their music has influenced the complete world with their distinctive view of the world and economics, making the hustler’s catalog probably the most sacred in the complete style.
With over 13 full-fledged studio albums below his belt, Jay has compiled a number of the greatest moments within the historical past of hip-hop and music as an entire. From chart-topping information to intricate album cuts, the Brooklyn-bred hustler has reached each viewers possible all through his in depth catalog. At the moment, we tackle the formidable activity of rating the thirty greatest Jay-Z information of all time.
Honorable Mentions
Album: The Black Album
It’s loopy to assume {that a} document as recognizable as “99 Issues” may very well be slighted in a listing discussing Hov’s greatest songs, however lets be trustworthy: Jay has written extra intriguing lyrical anecdotes and general extra sonically interesting anthems. Don’t get the position twisted, although, because the blaring Rick Rubin manufacturing ended up being an awesome match for Jay’s apathetic persona on document. “99 Issues” nonetheless stays as one of the referenced information by any hip-hop artist, however the rambunctious nature of the songs falls behind many tracks in Hov’s catalog and even falls again within the stacked tracklist of The Black Album. Additionally, it isn’t even doable to go 55 in a 54! C’mon Hov!
Album: Vol. 2… Onerous Knock Life
That is one other heartbreaker that’s gonna trigger some ruckus earlier than we even begin the checklist. Sure, we get it, the tune is mainly self-titled and even helped Jay take residence a Grammy. However once more, let’s be trustworthy right here. Jay has written and recorded hit information that sound higher than this. The tune’s spoof of the Broadway musical, Annie, is a enjoyable to find whenever you click on play. However like every hit document, radio performed this one out like loopy. The harmless sounding refrain of the kids sampled by the coveted musical doesn’t maintain up after your fifth full pay attention of the CD. The document did assist rap breakthrough the mainstream boundaries, however you need to admit it does turn out to be a tiring pay attention after some time. Shoutout to Hov for pulling off the finesse of a century although.
Album: Vol. 3… Life and Instances of S. Carter
That is beginning to appear to be a purge towards all of Jay-Z’s hit information, however as soon as once more, allow us to clarify right here. This document is credited as one of many first cases the place Jay and Timbo developed a legendary connection that helped takeover the charts for someday; however how typically does this document get performed compared to Hov’s different hits? “Is That Yo Bitch” was a monstrous membership document that actually dominated dance flooring for the ’99 and 2000. Sadly, this document was left within the mud of a New York Metropolis nightclub that obtained shut down for well being code violations. The document remains to be a banger however continues to stay within the shadow of its momentary influence.
Album: The Blueprint
And for the ultimate purge of family Hov information, we’ve got arguably probably the most recognizable document in Jay’s catalog. Childhood recollections and mainstream bias will certainly gasoline the hatred of this honorable point out, however how typically does Jay deliver this document up on his set lists? “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” is a monstrous document that ought to make a listing of this caliber, however there’s different information on this similar album with extra endurance and significance. Realistically, this placement was a casualty of making an attempt to tackle a tumultuous activity of this stature however hopefully we will rejoice in the truth that it was even talked about. It will be legal to not even embrace a document the place Jay particularly “dumbed down” his lyrics, however no less than we obtained Kanye West from this monitor.
Album: The Dynasty
This 2000 document was suffering from so many underrated gems neglected as a result of influence of “I Simply Wanna Love U”. The backwards and forwards between every of the core Roc-A-Fella members on this joint completely demonstrated how sturdy the chemistry was among the many camp. This monitor is the right capsulation of what the Roc-A-Fella dynasty really meant to hip-hop as every artist confirmed simply how a lot they needed to be one of the best at their craft. Regardless of what number of collectives we see being created in our lifetime, none will ever be capable to pull off a document of this caliber.
Album: The Black Album
It’s all the time magic when Jay and Timbo get collectively on a monitor—nevertheless, the duo needed to make one thing that might stand tall for his or her final dance second. What resulted from one other strenuous studio session with two titans was a hard-hitting banger that shattered membership flooring for years to come back. “Grime Off Your Shoulder” is a kind of particular information that will get the room transferring in any event and even feels prefer it helps increase confidence. The early to mid 2000’s was a particular time in music and the chemistry these two wielded performed an enormous half in shaping what would make up the mainstream.
Album: The Dynasty
There’s nothing higher than a traditional Roc-A-Fella posse minimize. The unique 4 core members of Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, Amil and Beanie Sigel helped lay the inspiration for what would turn out to be an empire all through the late 90’s and early 2000’s. The quartet took it from Hollywood again to the ghetto as they laid rugged sixteens with no refrain in efforts to deliver the sting again to the motion. Roc-A-Fella meant extra than simply hit information and the message was well-received when this monitor hit the streets.
Album: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
It’s a disgrace that Vol. 1 was primarily perceived as Hov’s shameless shift into the mainstream as a result of it’s tracks like these that make the album shine a distinct gentle. “Imaginary Gamers” helped incorporate a overseas vibe to New York road life on wax, taking a mellowed, nonchalant strategy to the in any other case rigorous setting. It’s moments like these why Hov is broadly liked as a result of the general environment of the monitor might resonate in any area regardless of the variations in slang and placement. There’s nothing higher than throwing this on whereas cruising round, even in case you’re simply happening the road.
Album: Vol. 3… Life and Instances of S. Carter
It’s loopy how many individuals overlook about this linkup between Jay and DJ Premier. This minimize off of the broadly revered Vol. 3 album didn’t get the widespread consideration as a result of chart shattering information this album needed to provide. Jay returns along with his signature slick speak gliding over a rugged Premo beat, sprinkling this mainstream juggernaut of a document with some gritty hip-hop. Although it’s a bit extra lowkey in comparison with different Preemo collabs, “So Ghetto” is a staple in Hov’s catalog and is often seen as one of many few vibrant spots off Vol. 3.
Album: The Black Album
It’s exhausting to consider {that a} Jay-Z and ninth Surprise collaboration would slip proper below the radar. The North Carolina producer and ex-Little Brother member all of a sudden turned hip-hop’s hottest producer after showing on The Black Album tracklist. Nonetheless, devoted hip-hop listeners understood the severity of the position as ninth’s soulful sound helped spawn a distinct facet of Shawn Carter that we hoped to listen to extra of. Significantly, I don’t assume Jay has ever sounded this good on a document, which is a large assertion in itself contemplating the person’s catalog. Had Jay not ‘retired’, a collaboration album between these two would’ve positively despatched the hip-hop world right into a frenzy.
Album: 4:44
The one grievance many had about Jay throughout his prolonged profession was his lack of ability to emotionally open up on a full document. Jay had his moments right here and there, however nothing near what was reached on 4:44. On this minimize, the now-elder statesman Shawn Carter shifts the main target from himself to his group, as he pens a love letter to the group that raised him. Listening to Jay attempt to settle for the ever-changing methods of gentrification taking up his neighborhood created a private area on the document the place we noticed Shawn Combs take the stage as a substitute of Jay-Z. The vocals from The-Dream added an additional layer of sentiment to this already emotional document.
Album: Kingdom Come
One of many few vibrant spots on a uncommon lackluster Jay album helped gasoline the freestyle sport with its iconic beat. Should you had been actively maintaining with the hip-hop scene within the mid-2000s, then absolutely you keep in mind when everyone and their mama rhymed over “Present Me What You Received.” Jay did the “Present ‘Em Whatcha Received” pattern justice, courtesy of Simply Blaze, as he proved he was nonetheless able to making successful document after getting back from retirement. The document nonetheless holds up nice to at the present time however it’s troublesome to hearken to the tune after listening to Wayne’s rendition of the jazzy beat, by which he tore the beat to shreds and solidified himself as one of the best rapper within the sport on the time.
Album: The Blueprint 2
The overwhelming sequel to the licensed traditional Blueprint album didn’t stay as much as the unearthly expectations set earlier than it. For being a two-in-one kind of deal, the album didn’t have too many takeaways. However Jay nonetheless managed to attain successful with the dependable Pharrell collaboration. P’s hook over the enchanting beat set the right tone for a relaxing membership document and all Jay needed to do was clock in and match the luxurious temper. Not too many are keen on Jay’s mainstream ventures, however it’s inconceivable to imply mug whereas listening to this tune.
Album: The Black Album
It’s exhausting to search out any blemishes on The Black Album, but when one change may very well be made, it will be to make this document the outro. Although it was marketed as Jay’s ultimate album, “Encore” was the one document that felt like Jay-Z was really about to retire. “Encore” is simply as marketed, a well-deserved spherical of applause as we ship off hip-hop’s dwelling legend. The triumphant really feel of the document actually seems like Jay’s curtain name as he relives his profession via a set of sixteens one ultimate time. It’s exhausting to not get chills whenever you hear the beat fade whereas the applause intensifies.
Album: The Blueprint 3
I’m fairly positive its almost inconceivable to discover a single human being who hasn’t listened to this tune. Through the years, Jay has managed to craft a number of anthems that completely captures with the bigger than life persona that embodies New York Metropolis, however none get the job accomplished like this one. From the keys on the instrumental to the lyrics shouting out New York landmarks, this document fairly actually appears like a film scene the place the character is absorbing the scene in Instances Sq.. Jay’s love letter to New York isn’t the gritty actuality he grew up in, however helps deliver the Large Apple to a extra optimistic and endearing gentle.
Album: Cheap Doubt
The world first took discover of a laid again hustler when his debut unexpectedly took the rap sport by storm in ’96. The legendary Cheap Doubt opened with a hazy duet assisted by R&B famous person Mary J. Blige, making many marvel how a slick-talking kingpin obtained the Queen of R&B to seem on a monitor. The uplifting hustling hymn captivated the hip-hop world with Jay’s dope-boy swagger and Mary’s comforting vocals instilling an unmatchable sense of confidence in anybody who clicks play on the simple hip-hop traditional. The audacity of a rookie to start out off an album with a Mary J. Blige collab speaks volumes of the kind of individual the world was attending to know in Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.
Album: The Blueprint 2
Many had been fast to crown Nas the unanimous winner after a disastrous diss within the type of “Ether” led to one of the self-detrimental strikes of Jay’s profession. After having “Supa Ugly” fully backfire on him, Jay wasn’t accomplished addressing his concern with Nas, unleashing a sneaky bombshell on this star-studded sequel. On a document the place the main target was Jay’s collabs with the business’s heavy-hitters, Hov managed to set time apart to let everyone know that Nas wasn’t the hip-hop savior many painted him out to be. It’s exhausting to not go off whenever you hear a passionate instrumental like this one.
Album: American Gangster
The triumphant standout from the idea album impressed by the American Gangster movie is the last word celebration of the Roc-A-Fella lineage. Whereas the Roc-A-Fella dynasty went out on a bitter be aware, its unofficial send-off monitor helps followers reminisce on the great ol’ days with the boisterous horns representing the regime’s final success. Jay himself gathers buddies from throughout and makes use of his verses to supply a toast to outdated recollections and current alternatives. It’s exhausting to appreciate how a lot totally different the world can be had Roc-A-Fella information not existed, however Jay continues to let the legacy stay on via his musical journey.
Album: The Dynasty
One of many mosst iconic intro tracks of all time, The Dynasty intro set the tone for what hip-hop would later sound like because the Roc-A-Fella empire made its debut. Jay helped closed out the enduring 90’s with a bounce and an Annie pattern dominating the charts, however because the rap sport ushered into a brand new period, Jay acknowledged and took benefit of a leveled taking part in area because the business adjusted to the Y2K period. Together with the assistance of producers like Simply Blaze and Bink, Roc-A-Fella set the streets ablaze with sped-up soul samples and exhausting hitting drums. The Dynasty‘s intro helped spark what would make up the early 2000’s road rap scene and served as a serious standout to this iconic compilation album.
Album: 4:44
One of many extra elusive cuts off of the intimate 4:44 fairly actually laid out 1,000,000 {dollars} value of sport for $9.99. Although the album is greatest recognized for Jay’s inner monologue surrounding his life, no document off of 4:44 greatest represents the Marcy icon like this monitor. Regardless of its preliminary shock, the monitor’s title connects to Hov’s message of economic freedom within the black group, making an attempt to steer many away from the flex-heavy tradition. Hov broke it down in probably the most simplistic, but shifty approach because the considerably easy traces carry miles of various messages behind them. All behind a fantastic piano pattern from a Nina Simone document, The Story of O.J. is without doubt one of the most essential tracks of current reminiscence, significantly displaying Hov’s capacity to attach with the world regardless of how out of contact he appears.
Album: The Blueprint
A tune that was really forward of its time, there wasn’t a single tune that reached the identical ranges of toxicity as this one. “Tune Cry” is a document that got here out on the proper time as many contemplated ifJay was even able to opening up emotionally. Regardless of its chilly plot, “Tune Cry” places Jay’s storytelling skills on view, exhibiting simply how properly he can lay out a setting and hold the narrative participating. The close to angelic contact of the beat does wonders as we hear a heartbreaking story of a disingenuous relationship.
Album: Kingdom Come
The commonest critique Jay obtained all through his total profession was his lack of non-public content material. All of us knew the almighty J-Hova who ran the streets of Brooklyn, however what we did not see was a troubled Shawn Carter in these tales of disaster. “Misplaced One” was the primary time we noticed Jay confide in his fanbase as he coped with the dying of his nephew who died in an car accident, driving the automobile that Jay had gifted him. Jay laid his ache on the monitor as he handled survivor’s regret, permitting the somber piano keys from the beat act as a consolation blanket. It was the primary time we had seen an emotionally troubled Shawn on the monitor, a bittersweet feeling within the hip-hop group, however Jay was in a position to bury the narrative that he wasn’t as genuine on the mic as many presumed. This heartbreaking story stays one of many few standouts on the lackluster Kingdom Come and is one in every of Jay’s most private information up to now.
Album: Vol. 2… Onerous Knock Life
Enable us to correctly format the scene right here: Jay-Z at his peak rapping alongside a hungry Beanie Sigel, Sauce Cash and a blazing group in The LOX. As one might think about with that lineup, this document was an all-out lyrical battle with the just lately established Roc-A-Fella going toe-to-toe with rap’s most vicious emcees in The LOX. Every lyricist going at one another’s throats with actual disses being flung round as if a struggle had been about to interrupt out within the studio. Although it set the stage for a really ugly beef between each camps, “Reservoir Canines” is without doubt one of the most neglected posse cuts of all time.
Album: The Blueprint
Earlier than Nas unleashed probably the most vicious diss in hip-hop historical past, Jay let off a deadly set of pictures from afar with the second monitor off of the traditional Blueprint album. Up till this level, Jay had his Roc-A-Fella crew doing his soiled work, however once they failed to hold with the greats like Nas and Prodigy, Jay needed to ultimately step in. The outcome was a brutal four-verse diss document choosing aside careers of each Nas and Mobb Deep, placing the complete rap sport on discover as he stepped as much as the ring. Jay pulled out each trick in e-book, strategically choosing off his enemies one after the other with embarrassing childhood images and failed album sale statistics. Nas ultimately dropped the bombshell that was “Ether” however in between drops it had appeared like Jay had bested Nas of their lyrical battle.
Album: Cheap Doubt
To assume that we had been supposed to obtain a joint album between Jay-Z and The Infamous B.I.G below the group title, The Fee. The 2 Brooklyn heavy-hitters did a tremendous job of lyrically going backwards and forwards, one-upping one another with each verse that adopted. The unofficial duo of Jay and Biggie introduced lots of camaraderie to the as soon as neglected Brooklyn borough, giving the distinct part of New York its personal gritty footing throughout the Large Apple. It was as soon as mentioned by many who the pairing helped deliver one of the best out of each other, and this document is a transparent affirmation of such assertion. Had Biggie’s premature passing not occurred, he and Jay would’ve turned the complete hip-hop world up on its head.
Album: The Black Album
Fact be advised, any variation of a listing containing one of the best Jay-Z songs is near-impossible to make as a result of immense depth within the legend’s catalog; however regardless of how daunting the duty could also be, it needs to be necessary to incorporate this document. Simply one of the passionate information that Jay has ever put out in his profession, the then-retiring Shawn Carter laid all the pieces out on the road and demanded his respect as he noticed the stage shine on his reflection one ultimate time—or so he thought. In efforts to please the hip-hop world one ultimate time, Jay channeled his inner-Gladiator and placed on one ultimate bone-chilling efficiency. Because the lights dim and the beat cuts whereas Jay finishes his bravado, the profession of a hip-hop legend lastly sinks in as Jay lifts his jersey into the rafters—actually—for an acceptable closing act.
Album: The Dynasty
The unofficial trio of Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel and Scarface quietly crafted a number of the greatest information within the historical past of the style scattered throughout a number of albums. Regardless of its low-key nature, this joint stands out among the many relaxation as we see probably the most intimate set of verses from every of the artists. Jay, Beans and Face pen a few of their most private verses up to now with Scarface closing the document with a eulogy devoted to the kid of his shut buddy. The document nearly seems like a troublesome capsule to swallow, however it’s at a number of the lowest moments that we obtain a number of the most heartfelt content material we are going to ever see from an artist. Clearly, Face’s verse took the highlight, with correct purpose, however that is nonetheless one of many higher verses Jay himself has ever spit.
Album: Vol. 3… Life and Instances of S. Carter
On the flip facet of the coin that has “This Can’t Be Life”, we’ve got a hard-hitting Timbaland-produced banger. At a time the place Jay had a vice-grip on the Billboard charts, “Large Pimpin’” was one of many few merchandise of the mainstream Hov period that managed to create a lifetime of its personal. Timbaland cooked up an exceptional beat that would rile up a crowd in any setting whereas Jay shares the stage with the legendary UGK to advertise a optimistic message of respecting girls… to a sure diploma. At this time limit, it was uncommon for East Coast artists to combine with different areas—particularly the South—however Jay acknowledged the influence UGK had on the world exterior of the Large Apple and needed to pay his respects. The three gracious gents break up verses to coach the world concerning the optimistic results of nationwide pimpin’. In all seriousness, it is a timeless club-shattering traditional, topped off with one of the iconic verses coming from the late nice Pimp C. R.I.P to the Pimp.
Album: The Blueprint
Arguably one of the essential Jay information for causes that don’t concern the rapper himself. The unanimous traditional document, The Blueprint, created a few of Jay’s greatest musical moments as Hov and the remainder of the Baseline crew rigorously crafted what many take into account his magnum opus. The expanded components of using sped-up soul samples bought us all after we heard this document as Jay rapped a tremendous efficiency, expressing the shortage of respect he feels from the hip-hop world. Jay himself did an awesome job of compiling imposing verses, however the beat stole the present because it correctly launched us to a polo-wearing producer often known as Kanye West. West appeared on the primary Dynasty album, however it was on The Blueprint the place his musical presence was felt probably the most, accommodating Jay with soul-drenching lane for him to increase his horizons.
To at the present time, “Coronary heart of the Metropolis” stays iconic for the document itself and its unintended activity of introducing the world to a different among the best musical minds of all time.
Album: Cheap Doubt
The DJ Premier-produced minimize off of the Cheap Doubt document is a primary instance of how the legendary producer is ready to deliver one of the best out of any emcee he collaborates with. Jay was already rapping on a wholly totally different degree all all through the course of the album, however he knew he needed to flip it up a notch when working with hip-hop royalty. In consequence, we had been gifted with one of the interpolated information from the 90’s. The artful play on the phrase satan, tying it to the unnatural need for cash and its affect gave Jay lots of brownie factors throughout the complete hip-hop realm as he and Preemo additionally managed to tie in Snoop’s “Homicide Was the Case” and Prodigy’s “I Shot Ya Remix” verse the place he introduces the world to the idea of the illuminati. This document general has lots of depth with loads of layers to peel again and stays as one in every of Jay’s most intricate information up to now.
Album: Cheap Doubt
Arguably probably the most potent minimize off of the coveted Cheap Doubt, “Can I Reside” completely epitomizes the drug supplier phenomenon in hip-hop. From the jazzy beat to the fixed jewels dropped by Jay within the verses, this document exemplifies the hustling mindset to a tee. Jay effortlessly floats over the silky instrumental with every verse delving deeper into the lavish peaks and drastic lows of the drug sport. “Can I Reside” is without doubt one of the few Jay information that additionally managed to tackle a lifetime of its personal, taking the straightforward but vibrant phrase to new heights because it’s taken on a lifetime of its personal within the hip-hop realm. Everybody and their mom has emerged with their very own iteration of the tune title and beat at this level; however this speaks volumes in accord to the super affect of the document. Cheap Doubt has lots of standout moments, however there aren’t many on the album that match the importance of “Can I Reside”, apart from one main submission to be listed.
Album: The Black Album
Discuss going out with a bang! There may be not one document within the historical past of hip-hop that matches the vitality that “PSA” emits inside an area setting. Jay and Simply Blaze put collectively an exceptional stadium document that would instantly get the group out of their seats and into the pits of the present. The whole lot about this document screams bonafide hit, from the hard-hitting instrumentals to the enduring opening traces. It’s now exhausting to not burst out and yell “Enable me to reintroduce myself” when the second warrants it. Identical to any of the tracks throughout the high 5, “Public Service Announcement” has managed to search out its approach round many various interpolations of the document, talking to the influence of the anthem in addition to Jay’s particular person affect on the sport. There’s not one present Jay can do the place he doesn’t carry out this tune.
Album: The Blueprint
Probably the most iconic document on the unanimous traditional Blueprint album serves as a real testomony to Jay’s endurance as a hustler. The Simply Blaze and Jay-Z mixture by no means fails as we see the emblematic sped-up soul pattern sound of the 2000’s attain its peak right here. Jay effortlessly glides over the bass-knocking beat with phrases of motivation, concurrently reminding anyone who tries to duplicate his fashion that he’s one-of-a-kind. This document additionally granted us probably the most iconic set of traces within the historical past of the style as Jay raps (“I promote ice within the winter, I promote hearth in hell / I’m a hustler child, I’ll promote water to a properly”) which triggered a decade-long value of discourse as as to if he mentioned “properly” or “whale” (it will nonetheless make sense both approach). It’s exhausting to not really feel impressed after listening to 3 straight minutes of what may very well be perceived because the hustling blueprint.
Album: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
Regardless of Jay flaunting his hustler persona because the pivotal focus of his model, one might argue that this document greatest represents the Brooklyn-bred hustler. “The place I’m From” does a whole 180 flip from the lavish life-style promoted all through Cheap Doubt and reveals individuals the unfiltered picture of Marcy Initiatives in Brooklyn. Jay offers a tour of the neighborhood as he shows the true battle he and his friends endure on the day-to-day foundation as they try to get by. To at the present time, there hasn’t been a single Jay-Z document that lyrically will get uncooked like this document. As a substitute of flexing cashmere sweaters and dazzling rolexes, “The place I’m From” supplies listeners the complete expertise of the grueling hustle that surrounds Jay and his neighborhood. It ain’t all the time fairly, however Jay will all the time discover a approach to tell us the horrors he’s endured to be on the spot he’s at right now.
Album: Cheap Doubt
As anticlimactic because it might sound, this placement shouldn’t be a shock in any respect. We’ve coated a bigger variety of iconic moments in Jay’s profession all through this checklist, however none maintain a candle to what “Lifeless Presidents” was in a position to obtain. The reflective beat made by Ski Beatz and infamous Nas pattern has traveled all around the hip-hop realm, being utilized in freestyles and samples on a continuing foundation. However regardless of how exhausting emcees attempt, they will by no means duplicate the magic that Jay was initially in a position to ship on this monitor.
No rapper has perfected the artwork of the hustle in music like Jay-Z has. In a time the place gritty road road rap was starting to takeover the sport, Cheap Doubt supplied a breath of contemporary air with its drastic change in sound and complex strategy to lyricism. “Lifeless Presidents II” did greater than provide hip-hop with probably the most adopted instrumental in mixtapes; it launched an entire new lane to style, synonymous with names like Rick Ross and Jeezy. Whereas each rapper on the time was selling low-life habits and dirty rhymes, Jay gave listeners glimpses of the glamour life, ensuring to remind his friends to give attention to the bag than the rest. It isn’t many rappers than can say they helped change the trajectory of hip-hop with a singular tune of their catalog, however Jay and Ski delivered an simple hip-hop traditional that’s obtained sufficient sport to revolve a college course round.
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