Grade: B+
This collaboration between Kanye West and Jay-Z almost perfectly showcases the two artists’ differences. As clean and technically rigid as Jay-Z’s solo efforts are, West’s are equally unhinged and rough. But on “Watch the Throne,” Jay-Z gets swept up in West’s spontaneity, adapting well outside his comfort zone. West leads the effort with production as grandiose as the rappers’ egos. Jay-Z and West balance egotism and social commentary well. While lead single “Otis” exists only to highlight their extravagant lifestyles, “Murder to Excellence” addresses black-on-black violence. But the album is far from perfect. On certain tracks, both rappers seem complacent with their lyrics, too often settling for cheap rhymes rather than thoughtful observation. West and Jay-Z lack cohesiveness — they appear to be two separate performers rather than a collaborative pair. “Watch the Throne” isn’t a bad album, it’s just far less than one would expect from two of the most dynamic forces in music.