#464 - Jay-Z - The Blueprint

Let’s be honest here. In 2001, Jay was huge from a sales perspective, but he was mostly known as that guy that kept getting his ass handed to him by Nas. Well, that and sampling Annie. Which was pretty badass by any standards. But there is so much braggadocio on display on The Blueprint he almost makes you believe his word. I say almost because his style here is… let’s just say it’s not on par with some of his more recent stuff.

First the flow. It’s just weak. He can’t seem to find a new way to ride a beat no matter what the song sounds like. "Never Change" is a laid back r&b jam, while "Heart Of The City" has some dirty funk. So why does he sound exactly the same on each track? His style is the same, the voice is always loud and almost out of breath. He’s so monotone that it distracts from the great music backing him up.

The music is the main redeeming factor. Whether this is mostly samples or written for him, it’s just fantastic. Bass and drums are always interesting, and never seem to synthesized. Backup singers are perfect, and break the rap mold of over singing. Never do we get the 90’s staple of multiple octave runs (which always ended up out of tune). The only problem I have is that too many of these songs sound alike, making for an album that never goes anywhere. It’s like being married to the same woman your entire life. My wife doesn’t read this, right?

I honestly like Jay Z, but this isn’t his best and it doesn’t deserve to be on here. People were disappointed in it when it came out, it didn’t get half the airplay his previous songs had, and it still doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. I think this was one of those moments when people were filling out their ballots and thought, “oh I didn’t pick any black guys. I don’t want to seem racist so…..Jay Z”. They guy has earned his place in the top twenty rappers of all time thanks to some of the sickest wordplay and use of double meanings ever used, none of which is on display in The Blueprint. It’s just a letdown all around.

Here's one of the million hip hop songs I'd rather to listen to. Max Normal.tv.

-tfm

Oh, Michael. You couldn't be more wrong. First off, most of the things you criticize Mr. Carter for are the same criticisms you could make about his recent stuff. None of it has changed; it's just who he is as an artist. Same flow (which, although I'm a fan, has never struck me as overwhelmingly great), but it's the lyrics that have always kept Jay in discussion amongst anyone doing a top 10 hip hop list after slugging a few beers (or in my case arguing on twitter stone sober with the whitest boy I know....Ian Blevins). Think about it: same type of bragging (expected on any modern day rap artist's album), he still talks during the hook when he should just let the sample do its' thing, but the difference here is that Jay almost single-handedly controls this album without featuring cameos from other rappers, which is unusual for any contemporary rap album. But what Jay lacks in cameos (aside from "Girls, Girls, Girls" spectacular line-up of Slick, Biz, and Q-Tip), he makes up for with inspired samples from Kanye West whose genius is already apparent as a producer on this album. It would only be a few years before College Dropout dropped and a few more until he became the enemy of a girl named Taylor. And let me tell you, this album is sample heavy. I won't name every one, but some ones of note are Jackie Moore's "If," The Doors' "Five to One," Bowie's "Fame," and The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back."

Now for the logistics: Jay-Z's 6th album, The Blueprint, dropped on September 11, 2001. How's that for timing? But the album and all its' bravado seemed to be just what a reeling American needed. Album sales were high, but reviews, although decent, were not overwhelming. Entertainment Weekly gave it a B-. Rolling Stone gave it 3 1/2 stars, which brings me to another point. Although I believe this album absolutely has a place within Rolling Stone's 500 greatest albums, I find it a bit crazy that they originally gave this album a slightly above-average rating. Now, I could give them the benefit of the doubt and admire them for admitting they were wrong or I could chastise them for their glaring error of the past. Seeing as how my blog partner felt this was not such a great album, I'll go with admiration. Some other numbers of mention: Pitchfork named this album #5 out of 200 best of 2000's. XXL gave it a XXL rating. The Source gave it 5 Mics, which is ironic since this blog can't even get 1 Mike on board.

I love this album from beginning to end. I absolutely adore "Song Cry," despite it's nonsense chorus. I believe "Renegade" is a close to perfect collaboration showing Eminem at some of his old school glory. "Izzo" is a wonderful party track or one for driving around on a sunny day. And if we're going to mention Nas "handing" Jay's ass to him, then I think we have to mention "Takeover." That song is one of the best diss tracks I have ever heard. Jay-Z just pounds Nas and Prodigy from Mobb Deep so hard that I almost cringe with glee (all while imagining I'm in some run down club straight out of 8 Mile, yelling "oooooooh," while watching this verbal onslaught). Mr. Carter wins this one.

A lady giving her side of "Song Cry." This video involves some of my favorite things: bragging without saying a word (look at Jay's face after the missed field goal), football, and Budweiser. Last, but not least, this dude's Jay-Z is on point.

-d.