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Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, Slick Rick, Rick Rubin ... see more see more... , Foxy Brown , Timbaland , Memphis Bleek , Beanie Sigel , R. Kelly , Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott , Funkmaster Flex , Pharrell Williams , Common , Ghostface Killah , Dame Dash , ?uestlove , Just Blaze , Young Guru , Freeway , Twista , Kanye West , Beyonce Knowles , Damon Dash , Pharell

One of the biggest artists in hip-hop, rapper Jay-Z surprised fans in 2003 when he announced he would retire following the release of his hotly anticipated collection The Black Album. In November of 2... read more read more...003, not long after the album hit stores, Jay-Z staged a special show at New York City's Madison Square Garden, in which he performed alongside some of the most popular and influential acts in hip-hop and R&B, including R. Kelly, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, ?uestlove, Pharrell Williams, P. Diddy, and more. Billed as Jay-Z's final solo performance (though he would stage a collaborative tour with R. Kelly in the fall of 2004), Fade to Black is a concert documentary that captures both the action on-stage and the celebration behind the scenes; the film also features an inside look at the making of The Black Album. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

86% liked it

5,498 ratings

Critics

58% liked it

12 critics

R, 1 hr. 49 min.

Directed by: Michael John Warren, Patrick Paulson

Release Date: November 5, 2004

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DVD Release Date: April 5, 2005

Stats: 302 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (302)

  • fb729949618
    September 30, 2011
    fb729949618
    Best rapper alive! You need to love Jay to understand this film. This was an in depth look into the making of THE historic Black Album. Genius documentary from a genius man.
  • lewiskendell
    June 25, 2007
    lewiskendell
    Well made documentary, and the concert is fun to watch.
  • smootysveen
    April 13, 2007
    smootysveen
    "...crack the door and let God in."
  • tecneek253
    July 15, 2009
    tecneek253
    probably one of the best concert movies i seen....i only seen a few but it was ingenious to put some studio recording sessions.....in between....though his retirement was only like 3 years it was a good way to go out
  • sapphirechaos05
    August 8, 2007
    sapphirechaos05
    interesting...what black people do/act like when they get power/fame...what men do to feel loved...what humans do when all eyes are on them...not in a good way.
  • zeiko18
    December 26, 2006
    zeiko18
    Jay-Z has to be the most dull rapper on the face of the planet. His fiance is really, really hot (too bad she keeps singing). Too bad his "retirement" didn't stick.
  • lawless505
    October 11, 2006
    lawless505
    If you Luv Jigga Man A.K.A. Hova You gotta see This Flick. A Great Documentary. Showing all of Jay Friends Like Foxy Brown, Memphis Bleek And Mary J Blige. All I got 2 say you gotta watch this!
  • KentAron
    September 11, 2006
    KentAron
    Another great documentary as well as a great concert film. If you love Jay-Z you must see this film. It's totally fun and entertaining. Seeing the concert, seeing the making of his best album, seeing everything about it, and then rocking it. Should have been on IMAX cuz Jay-Z cou... read moreld fit. Seriously.

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Critic Reviews

Elliot Panek
January 1, 2011
Elliot Panek, Common Sense Media

The making of a Jay-Z concert. Not for kids. Full Review

John A. Nesbit
November 6, 2003
John A. Nesbit, ToxicUniverse.com

a film for film geeks that get the many references and can relate to Binford's lonely lifestyle Full Review

Phil Gallo
February 23, 2012
Phil Gallo, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Wesley Morris
November 24, 2011
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Click to read the article Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

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November 7, 2004
Boston Globe

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November 6, 2004
Newsday

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November 6, 2004
Toronto Star

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November 6, 2004
Hollywood Reporter

No review available.

November 6, 2004
Dallas Morning News

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Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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  • Which Actress starred in Dreamgirls, The Pink Panther, Fade To Black, The Fighting Temptations, and Austin Powers in Goldmember?  Answer »
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