The Blueprint

I didn't like the start, by the end I didn't mind it.

Classic.

This just sounds great, groovy and polished. I didn't pay any attention to lyrics maybe due to listening situation. Maybe I should have but still I give three stars just for good vibes that I got.

#510 / 1089 Heard before? ❌ Revisit? ❌ I'm not hearing the "greatest hip-hop album of all time", at all. What I'm hearing is lots of huge sound bites from very popular tracks, which are basically carrying the tracks, while the basic beat steamrolls over, and don't give me that shite about his lyricism; his rhyming is mediocre at best and his flow is nothing to write anywhere about. Monotonous and flat as hell too. I mean how embarrassing is it that the best track in there is by a featuring artists! I like my hip-hop built from snippets to an all new sounding backing track, not just snatching the track as is. Also, fuck Kanye, he is a glorified "soundtracker artist". I'm very annoyed with this being so meh. 2/5

That was ok to be fair. Nice variety of styles. *My usual criticisms of the genre still apply

I've seen corpses with less bloat.

Talk about dated. This oozes early 2000s. I don’t understand the appeal. Songs all sound the same. Lyrical delivery sounds the same. The man’s net worth suggests he knows what he’s doing or at least how to manipulate people and leverage a network of enablers but, whatever it is, it does not speak to me. No need to listen again. 2/5

Maybe the lightest 4 I've ever given an album. I can't bring myself to give it a 3 though, it's not that mediocre. But this is where I start to have issues with selections. JAY Z is nowhere near what I'd consider one of my favorites. I'd take Q-Tip, Nas, Tupac, Biggie, etc. all over Jay. But if I'm going back into a catalog and grabbing one album, which is all that Jay has here, that represents him it's The Black Album. Critics, of which I am firmly not one, would probably say Reasonable Doubt. But I guess you do you 1001 Albums. It's not bad, it's just not great. I can't help to think it wouldn't have been even worth noting without Kayne's production.

I was a big hip hop fan in the 90s, but at some point towards the late 90s, early 2000s I lost interest and artists like Jay-Z epitomized the reason why. I think all the songs sound pretty much the same and his delivery is extremely monotonous. I don’t know why he became so big! The Doors sample _Takeover_ is dope though and I’ve heard another version of it from Cypress Hill’s B-Real on his _Gunslingers II_ album.

Released, oddly. on 9/11, this album was largely produced by Kanye West and it does bear some of his hallmarks. The samples seem quite tuneful and use some renowned soul grooves in an extended manner. The Eminem duet certainly stands out along with a handful of accompanying tunes, but I can’t avoid his arrogant and aggressive linguistic approach. Superstardom and power was to open up to him.

OK, I get why he is so beloved. He is very good. The lyrics are not compelling to me, but he is fun to listen to. And props for the obscure reference to the musical Oliver! “Anything? Anything! “

Another album I had heard in full! No denying it's a powerhouse of hip hop. Jay Z clearly shows his style and skill, and there are so many bangers on this album (including Heart of the City, my personal favorite Jay Z song). The album features lots of production from Kanye, which shows in the mixing of the samples, bringing a lot of energy. Not without it's flaws though. I did notice upon this listen how one note a lot of the lyrics are (boastful, making money, how talent Jay Z is). I think a lot of that was response to the flak he received in the late 90s. Overall- still a great album. Probably safely in the 4 to 4.5 range.

Really liked the sound of this album, the beats and samples were awesome. Lotta songs about how Jay runs the rap game, not really my jam.

Musically solid, lyrically exchangable.

how many times can a person explain how well the rhyme?

Solid hip hop

I guess I just don't get Jay-Z. Everything about his rapping seems so unmusical to me, completely flat and bland. Best part about this album to me were the soul samples

Overall Rating - 2.03/5 (4.07/10). Dude is obviously very skilled. That said, I can't relate to any of it, and it's unpleasant.

This is one of the most important and influential albums in my life as a music listener. When I was 13, I had a nascent desire to get into rap music, and after a quick Google search, I decided to spend my hard earned $10 allowance on JAY-Z’s sixth studio album. Looking back, it was an odd choice (in 2013, there were certainly more timely rap records I could’ve checked out), but it ended up being the perfect education. With each track, my suburban white ass was slowly indoctrinated into a lineage of American music I’d never encountered. I didn’t know who Nas was (no, seriously), or who the Cold-Crush Brothers were and what the industry had done to them, but I felt the unrelenting charisma of these songs with every fiber of my adolescent self. Thirteen years later, the aspiring music critic in me could name 50 rap albums more influential or well-rounded than “The Blueprint,” but there’s not a single one I’d rather listen to more. Fav Tracks: The Ruler’s Back, Takeover, Izzo (H.O.V.A.), Girls, Girls, Girls, U Don’t Know, Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love), Never Change, Song Cry, Renegade Least Fav: Lyrical Exercise Score: 10

I like the beats, the mixing, some great samples. Production is great. Jay has some good flow, if a narrow range here. Some good hooks. Didn’t love the lyrics a ton, but that’s no big surprise. 3.5/5

Goated rap album

I'm pretty sure I've never listened to Jay-Z before, beyond songs that appeared in public spaces. So far... this just sounds like generic 2000. Maybe it's because I'm not from New York, but nothing about this is interesting. It sounds like a number of different versions of the same song, about tired topics. There are other vibes in the universe to explore besides bravado and pissing contests. Gimme Mos Def.

Appalling. A mindless tuneless stream of swearing, arrogance and misogyny.

This was fun, Jay-Z sucks as a person though

Bit wanky but there are some good songs

Bom

Surprised me, not bad

Not bad! But crazy this came out on 9/11.

This was solid. I'm not the biggest Jay z fan, but this was certainly a cool listen

I don't think I was in the right mood for this yesterday. It was good, but I think I was too exhausted to really pay attention to it. Sorry, Jay-Z.

Classic Jay Z. Not my favorite but tough af.

Nah, Jigga dat Nigga somewhere else peleeease.

Opäť niečo pre milovníkov rapu... Nie pre mňa. Žiaľ, nebaví ma to a neviem to oceniť...

Good flow and fun. Put it on to roll down the street. While I liked it, I’ve heard better Jay-Z

H to the Izzo Skip to the sizz-ong. Oh wait, It's over? Gizz-ood.

I just can’t with rap.

I'm not convinced Jay-Z has much to say, but he's got enough swagger and incredible producers to make up for it

no mg tanto jayz

Bolje nego što sam očekivala, opet poprilično prosječan do bolji hip-hop album.

This flows so nicely. Nothing outstanding but renegade is such a tune

GOAT

4/10

Massive. Some tough aging for SURE, but young Ye at the peak of his production powers, and some iconic songs.

I like opening number, “The Ruler’s Back.” I thought I recognized the sampled song, but I was wrong. I like the mix of rap over the horns. The thump of “Takeover” is great also. Frankly, wasn’t up on Jay-Z, but I like his choices on this album. In no way do the lyrics speak to me, but it’s a choice of music with his rap style that works for me

Honestly excellent album overall with only a couple of duds that are mostly just outdated (girls, girls, girls for example) But outside of those, excellent production all over, a voice that demands your attention and fun bars

So this guy is apparently worth north of 2bn, huh?

Architecting a masterpiece

Not a fan of Jay-Z and this didn't do much to change my mind

Listened to the explicit version, so it was hard to hear the music over the sound of me gasping every time I heard a bad word. Album is brilliantly put together, with some very catchy tracks. Favourite track: Izzo (H.O.V.A.)

while i kinda dig the musical ambiance, i can't stop my brain from parsing the lyrics and i'm immediately put off. permanently. like, totally.

Very slick production and samples make this feel more like a pop album than a rap album. Smooth delivery and clever/ funny lyrics although I find the ego/ subject matter alienating.

Musically good, lyrically meh. Not being a fan of rap, Jay-Z is more palatable than most. He has a distinctive voice even if he is rapping about the same bravado shit that most rappers do. Dragged a bit by the end, all sounding a bit samey.

typische zelfverheerlijkende lyrics op een slaap-inducerende beat.... de technische term voor zoiets is : kutalbum!

Not bad, also not for me.

I guess it’s pretty good but I can’t help but feel this is a little overhyped. I get tired of the false machismo found in this. We get it Jay, you got rich and have girls. The brief moment of vulnerability in “Song Cry” is followed by another song saying how great he is. Everything feels over produced in this. Everything smooth and no edge.

Does Jay-Z ever rap about anything other than how great he (thinks he) is? Even when the beats are good (they are pretty hit-or-miss but some of the use of samples is really good) the constant braggadocio is exhausting and makes the whole thing feel pointless, as he really doesn’t seem to have anything to say, except “I’m the greatest.” The greatest at what? Being egotistical, I guess…

Jay-Z's braggadocio is undeniable here. The entire production, from his lyrics to his flow to the beat selection, sounds like one big victory lap. It's a testament to its power that this dropped on 9/11 and is still talked about to this day. This man loves his lists, though. highlights: Izzo (H.O.V.A.) J*gga That N*gga Renegade

Pretty good! I like this kind of melodic hip-hop, the production is very catchy. I just don't like hip-hop that much, it gets kind of repetitive...

I appreciate that Jay Z has a distinct style, even if it isn't my favorite. With that said, I'm not surprised that the most popular track is a collaboration with Eminem.

One of the better rap albums on the list. The flow is great, the lyrics are clever. As with most rap albums, I can't relate to the themes, but you don't need to relate if it's good.

It's no Wu Tang, that's for sure.

Not my thing

Hot take: Jay-Z is a volume shooter and doesn't have an album that's solid front to back. Heart of the City is one of his best, but the whole album is just too long with too much that I don't care about.

This is average for me.

Den sitter.

Kinda mid until the Eminem collab, which makes me think JayZ is kind of mediocre

This is #day772 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... I had no idea this record was released on 9/11. As a kid who grew up in the late '90s-early '00s and was into hip-hop now and then, Jay-Z was moderately prevalent in my life, mainly through songs like "99 Problems" and that notorious mash-up EP with Linkin Park, which I loved a lot (and still do). Turns out "Izzo" (which I only knew as "Izzo / In the End") is from this record. And then, of course, there's this fiery collab with Eminem. What's not to like? When it comes to hip-hop from this era, the quality is almost always there by default. This is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day773.

Enjoyed this!

Really nice soul samples. Great flow over the beats.

Smug life

This is probably my least favorite rap era, and I can't stand Jay Z, but I was determined to go into this listen with fresh ears and a clear mind so I wouldn't immediately give a bad rating. I figure I don't have to like Jay Z at all because he likes himself enough for both of us. There were a few songs I enjoyed enough to squeak out a 3 but good god I really hope this is the only Jay Z on the list. I did my part and I'm done.

Kind of ambivalent here. I really wasn't a fan of the early 2000's in general for pop culture and I feel like Jay Z was big enough to be included. As a casual listener I heard a few of these tracks from other kids' music collections. That doesn't have anything to do with the music but it paints my perception. I do think he has pretty good flow for a rapper. Some of the lyrics are cringe but there are moments where there's some cleverness going on. Some of the samples and references on here surprised me like having someone do a David Bowie 'Fame' impression over The Doors 'Five to One'.

I can’t believe this came out on actual 9/11. Solid hip hop album, but there are better in this list

Surprisingly good. Wouldn't listen to it again though

Samples, lyrics and beats on top!!! Milestone

A pretty damn good album with the occasional puff piece thrown in. Jay Z may be the greatest rapper of all time (maybe not), but he's certainly the embodiment of capitalism.

I just don’t get Jay-Z.

tirando as partes em que o marido da beyonce canta, eu gostei

gostei das batidas mais do que esperava. dito isto, espero que o próximo disco seja de um estilo mais do meu agrado, buscar ecletismo cansa.

Not my favorite Jay Z album, but still pretty solid.

⭐⭐+ Det är ok men inte mer. Finns enskilda spår som är catchy men generellt inget jag kommer lyssna på det blir en stark 2a. Bäst är Take over, Girls girls girls, Heart of the city, Never change

I don’t like Jay-z but this was good

It's a bad sign when I find myself ranking the songs by which ones annoyed me the most. At the top of the list is "Renegade," which I might have heard before? The way the word gets repeated over and over in the most annoying voice just makes this unlistenable. Takeover is the next worst... a bitter dis track that makes me feel like all these guys are living rent-free inside his head. I don't want to hear about it. As they keep repeating... it's lame. Izzo is annoying because of the sound of the music... Song Cry is a pathetic track about a serial cheater deflecting. Should have been called Crocodile Tears. Every song has the same annoying "unh unh yeah yeah" at the beginning. I admit I don't know much about the genre, but after one listen I can't see why anyone sees this as a high point in hip-hop. Kanye West's production on his own records is more interesting, the rhymes and flow are much more clever on earlier records by other artists, and the subject matter is a dozen tracks of ego and one thanking people (including mostly, it seems, himself) for building him up. I can't pretend to like any of it. It sucks.

not great really

Not a big fan, didn't complete a few tracks since many were similar.

"krs already made an album called blueprint" "eminem murdered you on your own shit" good stuff though lol

Still not a huge fan of Jay-Z lyrically or flow but showcases his production strengths on Izzo, Renegade and Heart of the City. High-end 3

I had this when it was new. Fun then and still is now. There are a couple misfires, but almost every track is solid.

Im Sommer 2001 nahm der US-amerikanische Rapper Jay-Z sein sechstes Studioalbum in den Baseline Studios und den Manhattan Center Studios in New York auf, veröffentlicht über sein eigenes Label Roc-A-Fella Records zusammen mit Def Jam Recordings. Zu der Zeit stand er wegen zweier Strafverfahren vor Gericht und musste sich gegen Diss-Attacken halber New Yorker Rap-Szene verteidigen – man hört dem Album diese Anspannung an, allerdings nicht als Krisenmodus, sondern als Konzentration. Der Sound bricht mit dem glatteren Radio-Appeal der Vorgänger. Kanye West und Just Blaze, damals noch keine großen Namen, bauen ihre Beats aus alten Soul-Samples, was „Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" diesen warmen, fast nostalgischen Ton gibt. Bei „Takeover" wird es dagegen richtig unangenehm: Jay-Z rechnet mit Nas und Mobb Deep ab, ohne Umschweife, mit einer Direktheit, die man so von ihm vorher nicht kannte. Und dann, zwei Songs weiter, „Song Cry" – plötzlich redet er über eine gescheiterte Beziehung, ziemlich offen für jemanden, der sich gerade noch als unangreifbar inszeniert hat. Den einzigen Gastauftritt überlässt er Eminem, der bei „Renegade" mitschreibt und mitrappt – interessant, dass ausgerechnet er sich hier in Jay-Z' bislang persönlichstem Werk einfügt. Was mich beim erneuten Hören überrascht: Wie wenig das Album nach 2001 klingt. Die Samples tragen es, nicht die Produktionstechnik der Zeit. Selten treffen Angriffslust und Offenheit so unvermittelt aufeinander wie hier.

Not my cup of tea

It was fine three stars, some of the beats were very good. Too much Eminem.

Hello to the No.

The music is nice but the swagger is annoying

LA DATA DI USCITA DELL'ALBUM E' LA PIU' IMPORTANTE DELLA STORIA DI NYC, NON PER L'ALBUM PERO'. IN GENERALE SOUND CHE SECONDO ME E' INFERIORE A QUELLO WEST COAST DEL TEMPO. HO TROVATO FATICOSO L'ASCOLTO. "NEVER CHANGE" LA MIGLIORE INSIEME A "RENEGADE". 3/5.

I think because it was so popular it makes me hesitant to give it a high rating but it is a good album. 3.5 for me. But will keep it at 3.

A good album but not the all time classic to me. I have no desire to listen to this right now. Heart of the city is good. Takeover is good but mostly cuz of the doors sample not really a great diss track. I always liked black album better.

These tracks all have great rhythmic rapping and interesting, varied sampled stuff in the background. Every song is different and interesting, musically. The only thing tiresome about this is the lyrics. I think I’ve had too many rap albums lately or something, because the endless litany of “I’m cool, I’m rich, I can rap better than you, I’m going to kick yall’s ass” stuff got tiresome after a while and I started to hope it would end. I’ll give it a couple weeks and give this another chance, but for now it’s a 3.

Svag trea pga legacy

Mest överskattade rapparen någonsin, inte ens toppn40 rappare

Nu är jag trött på millenieskiftes-hiphip. Tråkig musik.