Jay-Z previews 'Watch the Throne'

Last night, Jay-Z held a listening session for his highly anticipated joint project with Kanye West, Watch the Throne, at the Mercer Hotel in NYC where the New York Post previously reported that parts of the album were recorded. MTV was on board to summarize the event. Mr. Carter previewed over a dozen tracks which included a pair of songs that feature Odd Future crooner Frank Ocean. Jigga also revealed the singer has also been invited to join his upcoming solo album as well. Another high profile vocal guest was his First Lady, Beyoncé, who appears on the resounding “Lift Off.”

The tracklist is set to be finalized this weekend whereas the album is actually on its third iteration. According to Jay, the initial approach for the album was set to be “grandiose” one but both artists distanced themselves from this since they felt it would take away from its enjoyment. Thus, it has been pared down sonically. In addition, Hov stated that the album has been recorded on three continents: Australia, NY, LA, Paris. Referring to their single, “H.A.M.,” Jay-Z said.

“It’s just so big and so much, you don’t want that sh– screaming in your house. If we don’t make records that we like and represent the culture, we would be over.”

Although pre-order receipts of Watch the Throne hint at a “2011-08-02” release date, a solid release date has not been confirmed. Watch the Throne.