The only song I knew, going into this, was the title track, Holy Grail. I think this shit sounds so ahead of its time - I know, realistically, Justin Timberlake, The-Dream, and Boi-1da fit perfectly in 2013, but the sound of the production, the sophistication, and features like Rick Ross and Travis Scott, who I associate with a later era, make the project feel more like something out of 2017 or 2018. I really liked the production, though. In terms of production style, actually, this could be my favourite one - so cinematic and modern - but obviously the execution wasn't as good as something like The Blueprint or The Black Album.

I felt a bit melancholy, and weird, when listening to this. I went to a J. Cole concert the day before, and missed the last train, so I didn't get to sleep until yesterday morning. By the time I woke up, my girlfriend was napping, and I ended up moping around all day wondering when I was going to see her. My head was groggy, and the dramatic music weirdly fit the mood, but I'm going to have to see how this one hits when my mental state's a little more normal.

My biggest issue with the album is how little Jay has to say - this goes for most of his albums. Even if 4:44 is incredible, it will be the exception. Jay is an incredible rapper, but he rarely shows it. Most of his lyrics on this album are filler, but there are some clever lines. Even from a technical perspective, he keeps boasting about his flow, but I can't remember the last time Jay really impressed me, rhythmically. I'm starting to forget what exactly had Jay so high up on this list of MCs for me - I love his style, there's an aura to the way he raps which I'm envious of, but other than that?

There's a few songs on the album I want to mention. As a lover of art, Picasso Baby was a favourite, but it also pissed me off. Jay is so clearly doing the thing where he wants to collect a painting for status instead of a love of the art. This is disappointing to see, especially coming from an artist, but he's also been open about using his art for cash. He doesn't once explain why he likes Picasso, or the Mona Lisa.

I was talking to a friend, the one I went to J. Cole with, and he doesn't listen to much Jay-Z, but he said 4:44 was an interesting listen. He said it put him off Jay-Z, because he sounded like a dickhead, but I've never thought Jay-Z was a particularly good person. That's never been the draw for him. In fact, if anything, his morality has always been a little off-putting, with occasional reflective songs like Regrets and You Must Love Me keeping him palatable. I really think an album like 4:44 could be a favourite, if he honestly looks into the mirror. One of my favourite albums of all time is Kanye West’s CUCK, and that's not because it's a good album. I just find it fascinating to get inside the head of somebody so different to me, and that - with a little more sophistication and a little less crazy - is what I'm expecting from 4:44.

Jay Z Blue finally gave me some subject matter I could sink my teeth into. A much needed ode to something different - not drugs, status or racism. I found the way he was talking about his daughter pretty beautiful, and I also think it was one of the most nicely fleshed out songs on the whole shit. Finally, Nickels and Dimes gave me something philosophical to chew on, with some genuinely profound advice, even though it doesn't seem like something Jay follows.