Starting his humble beginnings in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, Hip-Hop superstar Jay-Z recently released his 11th studio album titled “The Blueprint 3.”
Expected to have been released Sept. 11, somehow, the highly anticipated album was leaked on the Internet August 31, 2009. Although you would think this move would hinder album sales, the complete opposite seems to have happened. “The Blueprint 3” topped the music charts selling almost 500,000 albums within the first week.
To understand this album, you may want to first understand that the word “blueprint” is not referring to a “back to basics” approach. “Blueprint” refers to Jay-Z creating something new, a form that lesser artists will always follow.
This album echoes the first "Blueprint" album, released in 2001. Jay-Z's determination to reassert his skills as a master MC turned the album into a landmark.
"The Blueprint 2" came out a year later in 2002, but was a far less focused. The album was filled with cameos, and Jay-Z rarely participated in his own album.
Normally when audiences buy a CD, rarely do they ever listen to all the songs. This album proved to be the exception. Every song on this album is well worth listening to. Since its release a few weeks ago, it’s one of the only albums that I have listened to that has unique rhyme patterns and a futuristic vibe.
Among the CD’s 15 tracks, the most highly praised is the first single “D.O.A,” (“The Death of Auto-Tune,”) which calls out rappers, who Jay-Z thinks are not lyrically talented.
Following this controversial single, Jay-Z released “Run This Town,” which features appearances from songstress Rihanna and the rapper everyone loves to hate, Kanye West. This collaboration of three of Hip-Hop and R&B’s most influential artists gives something to the song that everyone can enjoy. Jay-Z really delivers the lyrics, as the self-proclaimed “best rapper alive” should. Even though Rihanna sings the same hook over and over throughout the song, she adds a touch of soul to the record. Lastly, Kanye West, with his slick metaphorical lyrics adds a slight sense of humor.
The third single “Empire State of Mind,” features the vocal styling’s of the talented Alicia Keys. This song was first performed on the recent 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. If you’re not from New York or have never been to New York, this song takes you on a tour of the city through the eyes of a Brooklyn native.
Along with many celebrity appearances, “The Blueprint 3” also features notable producers. A few of the producers include Kanye West, Timbaland and Swizz Beats. Swizz Beats is the producer of Beyonce’s number one single “Get Me Bodied.”
Overall, this album encompasses what good music should be. The lyrics have substance, which in recent years has depleted from the hip-hop community. The beats and rhythms are enjoyable and easily bring about a head nod or perhaps even more. If you have not listened to this album yet, seriously consider doing so.
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