Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life is the third studio album released by rapper Jay-Z.The album propelled Jay-Z into superstar status and cemented him as a household name. It also helped him emerge as an extremely dominant force in the post Biggie/Tupac era of hip hop. This album also won the Grammy award for Best Rap Album in 1999. The album sold 5 million copies in the US.It received mixed reviews from critics and hip-hop purists who felt his aims to be a crossover success had compromised the quality and complexity of his music. It was also criticized for its numerous guest appearances. However, it received a near-perfect 4.5 (out of 5)mics from The Source.