Jay-Z's New Album Inspired by "American Gangster" Movie

In 1996, a new rapper by the name of Jay-Z came onto the scene with "Reasonable Doubt," and though the title may indicate otherwise, his career since then has led him to become one of the most successful recording artists and music moguls we have seen.

Due in stores today is Jay-Z's latest release, "American Gangster" (Roc-A-Fella/ Island Def Jam), which is inspired by the film it is named after. "American Gangster" came out last weekend and was the hottest ticket at the box office. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, many of the album's lyrics and themes are sampled from the movie, according to a New York Times report.

It was only last year that Jay-Z came out of his retirement with comeback album "Kingdom Come," and many are saying that "American Gangster" is a comeback to that comeback, which debuted to mixed reviews.

With gangster film themes like crime, punishment and the dope trade infiltrating the album, the movie's influence allows the 38-year-old mogul to rap about things more reminiscent of the old Jay-Z than the new.