Jay-Z generates excitement with the release of his new recording, American Gangster , which offers new original material that is described as a "lyrical interpretation of snapshots" from the movie American Gangster, which stars Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe

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JAY-Z generates excitement with the release of his new recording, American Gangster (Roc-A-Fella), which offers new original material that is described as a "lyrical interpretation of snapshots" from the movie American Gangster, which stars Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Jay-Z draws on real-life experiences as he addresses grittty elements of big-city drug dealing. The DVD NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Bigger Than Life (Image Entertainment) provides a definitive look at Biggie's life and music via previously unseen interviews, video footage from the night of his death, raw, uncut street sessions, home video, and first-hand stories from close friends and hip hop personalities, including Diddy and Method Man. ARETHA FRANKLIN royally demonstrates why she remains the music monarch with Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with The Queen (RCA). The legendary vocalist and winner of 17 Grammy Awards is joined by a cadre of talented music icons, including Whitney Houston, John Legend, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, George Benson, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Keith Richards and George Michael. Also included is Franklin's dazzling performance of the aria "Nessum Dorma" from the Puccini opera Turandot when she filled in for Luciano Pavarotti during the 1998 Grammy telecast with only minutes of preparation. Brava!

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