The Live Albums You Need Right Now

You can't go to concerts right now. So check out these concert albums instead.

Otis Redding - "Try a Little Tenderness"

Jay-Z and Kanye West sampled this song for "Otis," but here's the original in all its glory.

The Carters - "Apeshit"

My wife's birthday is Sunday. She does a mean Beyonce.

Jay-Z - "The Story of O.J."

Because I listen to a decent amount of hip-hop -- and because I'm someone who likes to sing along to what I'm listening to -- it is not uncommon for me to come upon songs that use the N-word. My wife asked me recently if I'll sing that word. I would never in public, put it that way. I consider that word so loaded that it's not right for me to ever use it. Basically, I adhere to the Ta-Nehisi Coates principle.

Jay-Z's "The Story of O.J." is an interesting test case. The word is used frequently in the song, especially the chorus, and Jay is using it to illustrate the fact that, no matter how rich and successful he becomes, some people will only see him through the prism of race. The video amplifies the theme, incorporating animation that knowingly borrows from offensive past racist depictions of African-Americans. The country's shameful past is tied deeply to the song and the video. That "The Story of O.J." is so catchy makes the whole thing more complicated, as if Jay is tempting his white fans to sing along. I resist every time. The song stings.

Big Sean, Jay-Z and Kanye West - "Clique"

"Clique," one of Kanye's best collaborations, has been in my head a bunch lately. When he's in Vegas, they scream like he's Elvis.

Jay-Z, the Grownup

Recently, Jay-Z released Magna Carta Holy Grail, which received pretty mediocre reviews. The album has its flaws, but for my Culture Club column at Playboy, I examine how the record is the artist's attempt to grapple with adulthood, a subject that mainstream hip-hop is just now embracing. You can read the piece here.

(Also, yes, I'm refusing to call him Jay Z. I like the damn hyphen.)

jay-z - "on to the next one"

Jay-Z's "99 Problems" might have been my favorite song of the '00s. Welcome to the '10s.

jay-z - girls, girls, girls

Happy 40th birthday, Jay-Z. I'll never forget hearing "Girls, Girls, Girls" at the House of Blues in Anaheim the night the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees to win the 2001 World Series. I was there to interview De La Soul prior to a gig they were doing there, and "Girls, Girls, Girls" came over the speakers before their set. Crowd went nuts. Great memory.

brian williams loves jay-z

We learned today in an interview with Rolling Stone that NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams is a big indie-music geek. We also learned this:

Q: When you prepare your newscast, what do you listen to?

A: Something quick that gets your energy up. The other night, I was listening to Jay-Z's "Dirt Off Your Shoulder." That was the last song I listened to before going on air. I was tempted to go on and say "Yeah, boy!" but I didn't. It was close.

Me, I prefer "99 Problems" off The Black Album. But just by a smidge. And I'm never tempted to say "Yeah, boy!" while listening to either track, much to the relief of all those around me.