Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)

"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.

Parodies

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, was Jay's girlfriend at the time (and current wife).

MADtv parodied the song to include the Vancome Lady, though the "rapper" was Mase and not Jay-Z.

Single track list

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)"

Vinyl

A-Side

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

B-Side

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

See also

• List of Jay-Z songs

External links

• Lyrics on LyricWiki.org
• Recording Industry Association of America Gold & Platinum Searchable Database