Jay-Z and Kanye West’s collaboration shows the rest of the hip-hop world who’s king in their new album “Watch the Throne.”

The two rappers  first worked together when West produced Jay-Z’s album “The Blueprint.”  Jay-Z encouraged West to pursue his own rap career. Now, with West’s international fame after the release of a series of strong albums, the two are on equal footing as they join forces to become “The Throne.”

The hard beats and fast raps in “Ni**as in Paris,” the album’s third track, make it a worthy  song. Memorable lines like “I’m liable to be go Michael/ Take your pick, Jackson, Tyson, Jordan, Game 6” move the song forward while sound clips from the movie “Blades of Glory” add a touch of comedy.

The album shows the artists’ strengths as Jay-Z’s smooth raps and West’s passionate rhymes complement each other and solidify their position as monarchs of the hip-hop word. All hail.

4 out of 4 stars