Jay-z - Roc Boys (and The Winner: Is)...

: Rolling Stone named it the #1 single of 2007, praising its lyrical depth and rich production.

: The song is framed as an award acceptance speech where JAY-Z toasts his "cohorts and customers" from his days in the drug trade. He ironically thanks figures like "the connect," "the duffle bag," and "the boys in blue" who prioritized greed over their badges.

: While largely a solo performance, the track features subtle additional vocals from Beyoncé , Kanye West , and Cassie , enhancing its "anthemic" and celebratory feel. Critical and Commercial Impact

"Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..." is a cornerstone of JAY-Z's 2007 concept album . Often described by the artist as "black superhero music," the track serves as a grand, brass-heavy celebration of the kingpin's peak before the eventual downfall depicted later in the album. Key Themes and Composition