Allure

In this song, Jay-Z recalls his time growing up in Brooklyn, hustling as a drug dealer to make some money. He's long since moved on, but still remembers the allure of game.

"Allure" is part of The Black Album, which includes the hits "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" and "99 Problems." Before it was released, Jay-Z announced that it would be his last album, but his retirement last only until 2006, when he put out the album Kingdom Come.

The track was produced by The Neptunes, the team of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. They also produced the first single from The Black Album, "Change Clothes." Speaking on Jay's Life + Times blog, Pharrell explained how he wanted to give Jay an "emotional" record in the same vein as his two "Dead Presidents" cuts. "With 'Allure,' I just wanted to hear him rhyme over something emotional, because he killed 'Dead Presidents'... one and two," he said. "He's crazy with a crazy sick night club record, but when he goes emotional, it's unbelievable. It's like he connects with a couple past lives."