Jay-Z the "American Gangster"?

"American Gangster," which opened in theaters Nov. 2, chronicles the rise and fall of notorious Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas. Jay-Z said watching the film made him reflect on his own drug-slinging days and the dangers of that lifestyle.

Jay-Z stressed that "American Gangster," released Nov. 6, is an album with a story from beginning to end - something he says too many rap discs lack.

"I'm not knocking the way anybody makes (their music)," he said, "(but) I think a body of work is what the game needs right now."

"VH1 Storytellers: Jay-Z: Life of an American Gangster" debuts Nov. 8 on VH1.


The Modern Renaissance Man!