When MTV taps you to do an “Unplugged” session – that is, performing for a small group of no more than 100 people – backed by a live band, you know you’ve reached legendary status – just ask LL Cool J, Nirvana, or Eric Clapton. Latest to be inducted into the Viacom hall-of-fame is Jay-Z, who recently held an Unplugged session in NYC, backed by hip-hop’s greatest band, The Roots.

Jigga’s Unplugged brings the best of two worlds together, those of progressive and commercial styles of hip-hop. Jay-Z is as usual in top from during his performance, as the crowd mouths every word to every song, and The Roots compliments almost every classic single he has released over the last five years. The Roots easily transform commercial popcorn into headwrapped coffee shop grooves, as even current radio burners like “Izzo” and “Girls, Girls, Girls”, sound beautifully symphonic. The Roots even add in their signature style of paying homage to hip-hop during the live set, by inserting breaks from LL’s “I Need Love” or Smif N Wesson’s “Sound Bwoy Burriel” into “Song Cry” and “Ain’t No Love”, respectfully. It’s best executed on “Take Over”, as they insert bits and pieces of each “Shook Ones”, “Oochie Wallie”, and “Halftime”, intertwined with original Doors sample that propelled the album version. Even further to Nas’ dismay, the crowd adlibs the “laaame”, “shaaame”, and “braaain” moments, really driving the point home. Jay’s jiggier joints get equal treatment, yet are still impressive, as ?uestlove shows off incredible double-time drum precision on “Jigga What Jigga Who”, or as Scratch inserts vocal sound effects for the incredible “Big Pimpin’” cover. Mary J. Blige shows up for “Can’t Knock The Hustle” (and an impromtu “Family Affair” bonus), as does Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes to proclaim “I Just Wanna Love Ya”, both lending hooks. But the backup vocals of Jaguar Wright are one of the shows greatest highlights, from subtlies of “Girls Girls Girls” or “Ain’t No Nigga”, to the show-stealing moments of “Ain’t No Love”.

If anything, this album proves that hip-hop has found it’s new king, surpassing even the late great Frank White. He’s conquered all others with each album released, recieving greater acclaim with each consecutive release. Even more impressive the fact that he can release a live album just three months after his latest studio project, without having to worry about the two competing with each other. He’s an artist that satisfies the underground, the streets, the ladies, and the commercial crowd with each release, he’s taken it a step further with Unplugged, a milestone achievement indeed. Can we get a DVD release?