Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)

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“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” cover
Single by Jay-Z
from the album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
Released October 20, 1998
Format 12-inch single, Cassette, CD, Vinyl
Genre East Coast hip hop
Length 3:58
Label Roc-A-Fella Records
Writer(s) Shawn Carter
Mark James
Charles Strouse
Martin Charnin
Producer The 45 King
Jay-Z singles chronology
"Can I Get A..."
(1998)
"Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)"
(1998)
"Money, Cash, Hoes"
(1998)

"Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" is a single from rapper Jay-Z's third album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life. It samples the song of the same name from the Broadway musical Annie. The song was produced by The 45 King and at the time of its release, was the most commercially successful Jay-Z single. The RIAA certified it as a gold single in March of 1999. In addition, it was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 41st Grammy Awards in 1999.

Contents

[edit] Goldmember spoof

In 2002, the song was spoofed in the movie Austin Powers in Goldmember. Jay-Z's command to "take the bass line out." may have been alluded to in the spoof, when Dr. Evil says the same thing, then, when there is no change, "No? You don't have to." The song's appearance in Goldmember is also notable as Beyoncé Knowles, the co-star of the film, is Jay's wife.

[edit] Single track list

[edit] UK CD

  1. "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Radio Edit)"
  2. "Can't Knock The Hustle (Fools Paradise Remix)"
  3. "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Album Version)"

[edit] Vinyl

[edit] A-Side

  1. "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Single Version Clean)"
  2. "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (LP Version)"

[edit] B-Side

  1. "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Instrumental)"

[edit] See also

[edit] External links