A weird collaboration? Well, not really. Both parties are accomplished rappers, albeit with very different generic instrumental backgrounds. For this reason it’s a seamless record where the artistic joins are not that easy to spot, and is a collaboration that works a treat.

Opener Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You is a medium-paced, funky rock rap that eventually explodes into typically bass-driven Linkin territory. Jay-Z slips in and out of this tune and with a subtlety that makes him sound like one of the guys. It’s a cracking track that wouldn’t be out of place on a 100% Linkin album. The next track, Big Pimpin’/Papercut, takes a more Jay-Z influenced route with its stuttered bass rhythm and introduction of different instruments (such as flute). It’s another cracking track but this time could appear on a 100% Jay-Z album. And this is just for starters! By taking popular songs from both acts, newer material, and capturing the music live in a short four-day session, has produced a fascinating, historic and vibrant, exciting six-track CD.

With a live action DVD included in addition to the same songs recorded in a studio environment plus loads of special features, this is a must-have two-disc package for both Jay-Z and Linkin Park devotees. And results in an eye-opening minor masterpiece.

5/5