Lately, photos have been popping up of Jay-Z in the studio with various A-list rap names and producers. The question most people immediately ask: “Is Jay-Z working on album.” The short answer: “Duh.” Most recently, Hova was snapped in the studio with Rick Ross, Timbaland and DJ Khaled. Previously, he’s also been spotted in the lab with Swizz Beatz and Mike Will Made It. The common denominator in the pics so far is Timbaland, who recently signed up with Roc Nation. But no one has said a word about what, if any, songs were actually being recorded. However, the truth is Jay-Z has been working on a new album since before the release of his collaborative Watch The Throne project with Kanye West in 2011. He said so, when the writer of this story got an early preview of said album along with select outlets. At the time, Jay-Z relayed that he reached out to Frank Ocean to record a tune for a solo album, and was so pleased that he wanted the Odd Future crooner to contribute to WTT (“No Church In The Wild,” “Made In America”). For now, the best confirmation that an actual release is near, besides Jay-Z granting a media outlet an interview and saying, “Yes, my new album will drop on…,” will be when the “On To The New One” rapper is seen about town rocking a nappy afro. Last time that happened, when he was again rocking a crispy Caesar it signaled the completion of the WTT album. Hova probably dropping a new album in 2013 brings us to another stark reality. Jay Electronica, who Jigga signed to Roc Nation back 2010, has yet to release his debut album, Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn).

via;hiphopwired.com