Separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, this collection of all-new original material is a musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the upcoming motion picture American Gangster. The conceptual, full body of work from the new album balances the line between pure entertainment and real life. Drawing on past experinces, Jay-Z articulates the lure of a gangster's life, inspired by the Frank Lucas story. Musically, American Gangster lies somewhere between his genesis and The Blueprint, perhaps his pinnacle so far. The lead single "Blue Magic", produced by none other than Pharrell Williams, is an 80s-feeling ode taking its hook from En Vogue's "Hold On". Also on board for the record are esteemed producers P.Diddy and Just Blaze, and there is another stunning collaboration with Nas, aptly entitled "Success"