Getting back to the roots that raised him, Jay-Z takes on the gun-laden perception of the crooked assassin with his new album American Gangster, released Tuesday.

The album is built on several concepts from the new movie of the same title, which stars Denzel Washington and draws from Jay-Z’s experiences in his youth.

“Success” plays on the elaborate gains that fulfill desire for a minute. Jay-Z gets Nas on the track as well, and Nas comes correct with nostalgic lyricism that has defined his career.

Only two producers come back from 2006’s release of Kingdom Come. One of them is Just Blaze, who layers down a soulful banger in “American Gangster.” Jay-Z touches on the recent relapse in his career and the subsequent reaction, rapping “I might break, but I don’t fold / till I hold the sky in my hand, yeah that’s my goal.”

The other returning producers are The Neptunes. They provide a more sensual track in which Jay-Z arrogantly raps about a women’s addiction to himself on “I Know.” The drug analogy becomes visible with lyrics like “Now your body is shaking, trying to free it of me” and “This is about lust, cold sweats occur / When I’m not with her, my presence is a must.”

It is also important to note the prominent production credits handled by P. Diddy and The Hitmen, who work on six of the 15 tracks. Their most prized beat is the horn-touted anthem “Roc Boys.” Jay-Z gets his celebration on and it is apparent that he is feeling relief from recent setbacks.

American Gangster proves to be an exceptional return for Jay-Z. And, although it is not a PSA for listeners or opponents, he provides a descriptive lesson that asks for understanding rather than subordination. Maturity has finally found its place with the greatest rapper alive.