Jay-Z
ListenIn My Lifetime · 1994
Jay-Z — “In My Lifetime,” original Ski Street Version.
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1994 · Roc-A-Fella Records
In My Lifetime
Before Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z and Ski were making songs at the producer’s home. “In My Lifetime” emerged from that early partnership, as Jay’s rapid-fire delivery began making room for the slower, more reflective storytelling that would define his solo work. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0021 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Jay-Z |
| Release | 1994 · United States |
| Label | Roc-A-Fella Records · Not documented |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | Promotional copy with hand-drawn labels |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG+ |
Release history and significance
DJ Clark Kent brought Jay-Z to an Original Flavor video shoot and encouraged Damon Dash to manage him. Ski, then a member of the group, remembered hearing Jay rap and deciding that producing records for him made more sense than competing at the microphone. [1]
Jay joined Original Flavor on promotional dates, and the collaboration continued through informal recording sessions. Ski recalled a body of pre-Reasonable Doubt material made at his home, with Jay gradually slowing his delivery and drawing more directly on his own life. [1]
The Roc-A-Fella twelve-inch dated 1994 pairs the Ski-produced “In My Lifetime” with DJ Clark Kent’s “I Can’t Get Wid Dat,” each with radio and instrumental versions. It documents Jay’s emergence as a solo recording artist after earlier guest appearances. [2]
Market context
The Roc-A-Fella ROC-001 edition has a Discogs sales range of US$13.03–75.58 and a median of US$34.39, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
A twelve-inch promotional copy described at acquisition as having hand-drawn labels.
Condition
The disc was graded Very Good Plus at acquisition.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller nassaunassau on 9 June 2025.
Sources
- The Hip Hop Museum, Q&A: Ski Beatz. 6 July 2026. Ski recalls meeting Jay-Z and their early recording work.
- Discogs, Jay-Z — In My Lifetime, release 307820. Edition reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.