Pitchfork

As previously reported, Jay-Z recently got his James Taylor on, recording a session for VH1's "Storytellers" last month at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn. The cable channel has posted a sneak preview of the show (set to air Nov. 8 at 9 p.m.) over at its blog, and the clips have also made their way to YouTube. Jay's new, 1970s soul-steeped American Gangster is out today; if you're still trying to figure out whether it's another Kingdom Come-style letdown or a return to form for the Def Jam chieftain, check out these videos.

Backed by a 12-piece lineup he calls the Roc Band, Hova performs the songs against a projected backdrop with images synced up to the songs. "American Dreamin'" uses a Marvin Gaye sample to great effect, "Fallin'" describes the mistakes of a gangster through references to Sudoku and classic films, and Neptunes-produced "I Know" blurs the line between addiction and lust: "She fiends for me nightly." The YouTube clips below, via Nah Right, might not be up for long, so also head over to VH1's blog to see the official video streams.

Jay-Z: "American Dreamin'"

Jay-Z: "Fallin'"

Jay-Z: "I Know"

[original tracks from American Gangster; out now on Def Jam]