Watch the Throne is a collaborative
studio album by American rappers
Jay-Z and
Kanye West, released on August 8, 2011, by
Roc-A-Fella Records,
Roc Nation, and
Def Jam Recordings. Before the album, Jay-Z and West had collaborated on their respective
singles and with West as a producer on Jay-Z's work. As longtime friends, they originally sought out to record a five-song
EP together, but the project eventually evolved into a full-length album. Recording sessions took place at various locations and began in November 2010. The album was produced by West,
88 Keys,
RZA,
Swizz Beatz,
Jeff Bhasker, and
Mike Dean, among others.