More Grey-Album Related Info
Showing how little I know about rap music, my post below, on the Grey album, didn't include this important aspect from today's NYT, because I had no idea:

"Jay-Z didn't just announce his retirement from hip-hop with "The Black Album." He also left a going-away present by making available the unaccompanied raps from all 14 of the album's songs. While other rappers regularly include a cappella raps on their singles, Jay-Z challenged would-be producers to remake the entire album, and they have taken him up on it."

It's hard not to be excited by the musical and artistic possibilities offered by the growing aesthetic of composition-by-community. When major artists are willing to let go of their creations, it's good for art. I suspect they'll find it's ultimately good for their careers as well.