Jay-Z “The Blueprint 3″ Review
To understand this album, I think you have to first understand that the word “blueprint” isn’t referring to a “back to basics” approach. It’s also not a callback to the last two Blueprint albums; a lot of the hate directed at The Blueprint 3 centers around how it sounds nothing like Blueprints 1 and 2. Jay-Z is attempting to move forward, to evolve, to innovate. “Blueprint” refers to Jay creating something new, a template that lesser artists will invariably follow.
So what does “innovation” look like to one of the greatest emcees of all time?
Pretty much the same ol’ shit, except with more synthesizers.
In hip hop, “that next level shit” is almost always based around how the music sounds—crazy flow patterns, weird time signatures, funny voices/accents, new instruments or samples, etc. Very rarely do artists try to innovate by actually saying something new, by digging deeper into themselves or telling new stories or trying new approaches to writing or whatever.
Jay is a prime example of this. Yes, The Blueprint 3 has some unique production, some wild rhyme patterns and an overall futuristic vibe. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still just Jay-Z rapping about how great Jay-Z is… like he’s been doing for thirteen years. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you enjoy listening to Jay-Z be Jay-Z (I generally do). But for an album completely based around the idea that it’s something mind-blowingly new and innovative, the whole experience is rather hollow.
That being said, The Blueprint 3 is still a Jay-Z album and Jay is still a brilliant technical emcee. He sounds hungry here, especially on the album’s opener, “What We Talkin’ About.” Throughout the album, his flow is hypnotic; where some good rappers have air-tight flows you can just zone out to, Jay commands your attention using his words, the negative space between them and even his ad libs. The hooks, unfortunately, are all pretty terrible (especially on “Thank You,” “Venus vs. Mars” and “Reminder,” which is probably the album’s worst track), but the verses more or less make up for that. Jay might not be saying anything new, but the new ways in which he says everything is always compelling.
The production will definitely be controversial. This isn’t Kanye’s old chipmunk soul or traditional East Coast boom-bap or even the old Neptunes stuff Jay sounded so great over. This is the kind of glossy, vaguely-European club music that Beyoncé sing/raps over, and most of it is produced by Kanye West. It’s heavy on bombastic synths and orchestras, light on those hard drums hip hop heads usually prefer and overall just kind of weird. The No I.D.-produced “D.O.A.” made waves as the “oh snap Jay is back” song, but it’s really just a fluke; it’s the most traditional sounding rap song on the album. While No I.D., Swizz Beats and the Neptunes make appearances, the album is really driven by Kanye and Timbaland in full-on futurist mode.
And the production works, for the most part. It’s definitely not DJ Premier, but it meshes well with Jay’s style and really does, on some level, capture what hip hop is probably going to sound like for the next few years (for better or worse). Coupled with appearances by flavors-of-the-moment Drake, J.Cole, Kid Cudi and Mr. Hudson, it’s easy to see how Jay is positioning himself to be anything but an old man going quietly into the night, trying to recapture previous glories. He’s got a legacy in mind, and it’s more about pushing forward than remaking Reasonable Doubt.
But when you’re one of the best ever, you get held to higher standards. Jedi Mind Tricks can rap about the same stuff for a thousand albums, but Jay-Z should be able to do better than that. The Blueprint 3 is a perfectly solid album (well, a perfectly solid album with lots of bad hooks). It does some interesting things sonically, and Jay-Z is still a great emcee, but all the synthesizers in the world can’t mask the fact that the album is decidedly retro in its subject matter and approach. And when you’ve put in as much work as Jay has, “decidedly retro” can become “boring as hell” pretty quickly.
I was actually kind of surprised by how much I enjoyed (err… didn’t hate) The Blueprint 3. I can’t say that I’m a big fan of the guy (especially when considering his tendencies to bite other MC’s lyrics) but for the most part this is a solid record.
Disagree with you on “Thank You” though – think that track has a lot of bounce… could care less about “Venus vs. Mars” & “Reminder” however, they’re throw-away tracks. Worst of all is “Young Forever” though… Mr. Hudson has got to go.
Hova still the man, kill a few Timbaland tracks, lose Drake add “Brooklyn (Go Hard) ft. Santogold and its dope!
ps. agreed many of the hooks are worthless including Alicia Keys, but the verses ultimately rock. And yes Chris, Kanye puppet Mr. Hudson is garbage on tape.
I agree, it’s the same stuff that Jay-Z has been rapping about his whole career. But that’s what’s sweet about The Blueprint 3. He’s bringing back pompous, arrogant hip hop, which seems to have gone away for a bit.
I disagree with Chris, I think “Young Forever” is a fantastic way to end the Blueprint trilogy. But yeah, “Venus vs. Mars” and “Reminder” are the worst tracks.
I just wish there weren’t so many trendy guest appearances. It makes Jay-Z look almost…insecure.
Great album though, love it.
I speak often about how weak the art of reviewing has gotten. Most often reviews try to find the best catch phrase to shit on someone’s work or massage the artist’s ego. Thanks for not going that route.
I find it hilarious that this album is not actually out yet and pretty much everyone I know has commented on it and, in some cases, already grown tired of it. Lol
The author is correct where he states:
“Blueprint” refers to Jay creating something new, a template that lesser artists will invariably follow.
However, just because he set out to create something “new” doesn’t necessarily mean that “D.O.A.” is “just a fluke” and neither is “Already Home” or “Empire State of Mind.” These songs represent HIP-HOP at it’s finest; his flow is on point and the production is classic YET refreshing. As for Alicia Keys’ hook, I think you’d have to be tone def to say it’s bad.
Guest appearences were over all weak, probably the greatest shortcoming of the album next to subject matter, needless to say when Jay did deviate from his “traditional” subject matter on “Kingdom Come” he was criticized worse than ever.
***Remember the days when you would just put on an album, roll an L and listen to the album without debating it as if you’re on CNN?
hov is back could have been a bit longer but lyrical content is deep star is born, reminder where he just reminds u who da best rapper alive is n real as it gets. overall good album better than blueprint 2 n kingdom come not a gooa as american gangster
Another number 1 album for sure! No shit, recognize a legend while he is still living! Take time out to actually listen to what he is saying! If you ever get the chance to see him live do it! Full professional and well worth the bucks bro. This man will go down as a legend. Of course he is arrogant and all that but isn’t that what hip hop is about? What album this year beats this? Jay-Z is killing everyone else out there and thats a fact! Can’t wait to hear his “experimental” album, you know it’ll be wicked!
I don’t understand what everyone else sees because maybe I hold Jay-z to a higher standard but their is not one memorable verse on the whole album. If you measure it lyrically against Reasonable Doubt it doesn’t hold a candle to it or even hold a candle to American Gangster. I wish Hov still had it because i was looking forward to an album that left you with Hip Hop quotable after quotable but maybe I was asking too much
Considering how long jay has been working on the blueprint 3 the album has to be considered a disappointment. There are def some good songs – I love ‘thank you’ & ‘already home’ – but there are so many filler tracks it’s unbelievable. Was expecting big things but this is a step backwards from American Gangster.
On a completely unrelated point raekwon’s Only Built for Cuban Linx II is unbelievable!
I reviewed this on my site as well – I was actually surprised by how much I liked it.
It is obviously a transparent grab at a current sound, but as a whole album it works for me.
The weakest tracks to me are:
venus vs mars – just because of the hook
Haters – horrrrrible
Reminder – another hook issue
I love Already Home, Than You and Empire – Alicia Keyes KILLS the hook on Empire – that’s that feel good music.
I agree wit a lot of what you’re saying… except: Jay-Z has rapped about different things… ie Kingdom Come. And know how ‘well’ that was accepted. Truth be told, people don’t know what they want from Jay-Z.
I’m one of biggest Jay-Z fans in the world and at first listen on every album… I’m disappointed. Until the 2 or 3rd time I go through the album and then I go ‘damn, no one does it like this dude’.
The bottom line is, people are pissed a Jay-Z because he won’t play with the little guys anymore. He won’t go hard at anyone who’s dissing him while most of hip hop is begging him to. And the only reasons many of them want him to go at Game or Jim Jones is so they can see someone’s career ended… or see Jay-Z fall.
You can talk about all of the ‘elevated’ hip hop shit you want. But Common, Lupe, and any other rapper with a cause still has issues getting even half the sales Jay-Z gets. That’s why he’s the blueprint.
Ok fair point – but the fact remains if the music is weak the music is weak. Reasonable Doubt, blueprint, black album, American gangster…blueprint 3 isn’t in the same league. I mean it’s a good album, I’m enjoying it – but will I still be listening to it in a few years…unlikely! Oh by the way who the hell cares about sales…if that was the case jokes little Wayne & 50 would be considered the greatest.
Man
it was a random album almost incomplete
as a hole album its not so good
but wen u go back theres about 7 songs u can listen to everyday. There is about 3 other songs that can be considered singles. That means its a regular jay album. A little to retro though. Most songs sound like a kanye or cudi or drake song that jay would feat. in. It is a little new because wen u here kanye song and think its poppy u would picture jay dissapointed. I wus wrong. n is raekwons shit dat good? next up lupes!
at least it wasnt 808’s! and every one get the real best rapqers album! weezy
just kiddin nas shit wit damien marly distant relatives. buy it though show luv and get lupes lasers hope they dope
Average album 3 1/2 *
Too many poor songs what was timbo doing? Interested in what Kanye’s new album will be like now, considering he produced the majority of the songs here, and not matter what you think of him you got o admit he always makes good beats. Dissapointed with Jay, makes me hope even more that distant relelatives and lupes new album are good.
btw Kid Cudi’s new album is pretty good if you like that kind of futuristic synth music 4*
I love this album… it is seriously grown up and Venus VS. Mars is one of my faves because the word play is crazy… and Forever young is a real hitter… 9/10…
funny…why name it the blue print 3.
Is this suppose to be a continuation of the other blueprint albums?
I find that it is something outside of that lineage and should be reviewed in it’s own category.
I still maintain Rakim made four albums in which his lyric dexterity improved and was unmatched. That is why he is the greatest period. Can never say jay-z did that ever. I listened to all of them from grand master caz to luda.
This album is preety tight…..I bought it..popped it in the deck and just started to move my head..there’s a couple tracks that were ok but got better as I listened to it…..by far EMPIRE STATE OF MIND and STAR IS BORN are the best tracks…he kills it on star is born but overall its not his best album but its definetley worth buying…shit I only paid 10 bucks so buy it!!!!!
1st of all, this album is fire. as a true die hard jay fan this album works for me because you cant always talk about drugs, money all that old stuff he did on reasonable doubt becasue thats not where he is in his life. this album is what hip hop needs!! Name another album this yr that comes close to being better???
Empire state of mind= fire including the hook, star is born=fire, thank you= fire different but still hot on to the next one= fire, so ambitious= classic song. as far as venus vs mars goes the word play is sick and its a catchy song. this album is about the lyrical assult and flow he delivers not about how good a hook is like todays rappers and the lyrics suck. i like how he put it as a new classic because its different and i can see myself listen yrs from now to it.
and not to mention what you think about “so ambitious”? cleary a lyrical song that is a flash of the old hov. ppl so quick to talk about the negatives and overlooking the fact that this album works!!!
Kingdom Come was a much better album than this trash.. I bought my album yesterday amd i’m takin it back today. dont even want it in my collection wit the other jay albums. its not worthy.i’m a BIG Hov fan but he shoulda left this one on the shelf. not only are the beats and hooks horrible but there is no structure or theme to the album.. it sounds rushed and thrown together. he’s 40 now. he need to just tour and enjoy all that money man…..
I have to admint at first listen I was like this could have been better. But then I listened again and again. And each time I was like dam missed that one. This album is simply Dope! I’ve been listening to hip hop since it started. l’m 38 and it is good to hear real lyrics! I’m so tired of the catchy hook songs. I love Kingdom Come, because it was a lyrical album, it showed just how much Jay had grown, same as this album. Jay doesn’t need to do the same thing everyone else is doing. This cat owns franchises and b-ball teams. He’s just not on the same plain as any other rapper in history. So I expect different shit from Jay and with this album he DELIVERS!!!
Like he’s said time and time again,
He’s so grown up.
One
Definitely alot of haters out there (Track 12)….i think this is one of Jay’s most innovative and creative albums of all time. Blueprints are game changing albums. It always takes a month or to for Hov Haters to catch on to his stuff because he’s just that far ahead. He over shadows all guest appearances and even schools the new class of emcer’s with his constant change of flows throughout. Best album sense post retirement. Hovi Baby….
alright! Yea he is hova he got the life why is he still explaining his self trying to prove to me what I already knew it’s like a mf keep telling u he’s cold every time you see him o.k. word play is good I need some stories I miss them days blueprint 3 might have to grow on me what happen to buy some shit listen and it’s so real you didn’t leave it no were not even in the car took it over your friends house in the barber shop to the party f@#! these three song albums with two on the radio!!!
I would have definitely gave this at least an amazing, I mean seriously what more can you ask for? But the same people that usually low ball this guy in ratings is the same people who probably gave Stillmatic 5 mics (which is a joke). Like the Black Album, American Gangster and this album they all were better than Stillmatic and yet they all didn’t receive 5 mics (stars). The discontent in the “Hip Hop community” to give this man his do is just sickening.
Check out my album review
http://ufammink.com/?p=354
the king…name an album that is better than bp3 in 2009?! Ha, I can name 2 albums that are better than bp3 that were released at the same time nevermind the whole 2009…OB4CL II & kid cudi’s man on the moon…instant classics. The bp3 doesn’t even come close to either.
Zeo…the blueprint was a game changing album not the blueprints! I think we can all agree bp2 was a weak album, even jay has admitted that!
Mr West…stillmatic is a classic!
I am one of Jay’s older fans. The CD in spots are done very well but the hooks/beats soumd like stuff we have heard before. They all Kanye, Tim, Pharrell need to take it old school. Listen to some of the artist from the 70’s who actually played an instrument. Spots of this remind me of the group Kraftwerk 1981 “Numbers” with all the sythesizers. Jay is on point but in many cases his support cast let him down. Get thee in a studio with some artists actually playing bass guitar, bass and strings. It would be unique and different. Overall I give it a 7.5 out of 10. As an aside, Kanye and Tim you are beginning to sound predictable. Time to change it up just a little.
jay z sucks this cd is HORRIBLE!! Waiting for 50 bisd bitches!
Before i review an album i listen to it at least twice once for production and once for lyrics and i have to say the blueprint 3 is delivered like only jay z could do. Lyrically it has punch lines that make you hit rewind on your cd player. Jay z word play is amazing….I will be the first to say that before the album came out i was exepting a lot and jay z didn’t let me down…I think the album did exactly what jay z set out to do if u truely listen to the album and break the album down you will see nothing this year has come out that can touch this album it is classic and it has set the bar really high so 50 kanye and everyone else who is getting ready to drop an album better go back to lab and make sure that their respected albums are up to par because jay z did it. he brung a new sound and the world of hip hop and no choice but to embrace it
I totally agree with tigger. “Jay z word play is amazing” also on “venus vs mars”… oh well, you could say the hook be bad, but the verses, lol no, they good… the 3rd verse goes something like this:
)
“Thought shorty was the truth – found out she was a cheater
We were supposed to “Takeover” – I caught her bumpin “Ether”
I thought shorty like Mike, found out she like Prince
Thought she was Adrien, it’s been +Rocky+ ever since
My dollars was down, she left me for some euros
Took my whole flavor, I call her Coke Zero
We were co-MVP’s, like Kobe and Shaq
Left me for the +Heat+, we were winnin back-to-back
Said I party too much, shorty got fed up
Shorty got Britney, shaved her whole head up
We used to make out, kissin each other’s face off
Went for the Ponzi scheme – damn shorty just made off” (correct if im wrong)… overall, tight concept o the album… 4 stars outta 5.
Hov still got it. Ppl just ha2e too much. The meaning of blueprint is for most ppl don’t know a layout or a plan to design sumtin from start to finish. Just like how a building is made u need blueprints to build it. A sketch of drawings on how the building is designed to be built u stupid dummies. U can’t compare one blueprint to another blueprint. When their are revisions made dqat means dat there are new changes made to dat blueprint which what jay did. Why go backwards or do the same thing then it becomes repetitive. That’s like going into any city seeing da same damn skyscrapers designed the same damn way motherfukaz will bug da fuck out. I know I don’t want to see da same damn shit over and over. Or like a bad relationship who would want be with someone if they remind them of the same fuck up that they were wit only stupid muthafuckas wit no sense. So understand da meaning of blueprint b4 y’all start criticizing jay for his album u fuckin ha2ers. By da way classic album lyrics tighter than a virgin nobody hold it down like jayz. All u ha2erz fuck off. Raekwon album trash. Don’t fool urselves nothin inspirational bout dat dude fuckaz……………
I listened to The Blueprint 3 about 15 times from front to back and I have to say it is a great album. This is definetly one of those albums that you can let ride. As far as hooks go some of them could have bene better but if you listen to other songs that have some out lately then no one can really say anything. Everyone is waiting on him to do another Reasonable Doubt type album but he said himself “If you want my old sh** buy my old album”. Why would he go back and do it over again? He is making his music. When he was “hustling” he was making hustler music but now he is a CEO business type with political connections so thats what you hear. Why even go back? Life is all about progression and he did it and he is telling you he has done it. The lyrical content is there. My opinion it goes up there with one of the great albums. Jay-Z did it again “So clap for him”
you see reviews like that are what is wrong with people today – you’re talking about buildings & relationships?! like what the fuck are you talking about?! talking about repetition – oh right cause i didn’t realise using the same 3 producers you’ve used for the last 6 or 7 years makes you innovative…my mistake! this is an average album, any REAL jay fan will say the same. you’re talking about “haters” – i have 14 jay-z albums – the bp3 offers nothing new, nothing we haven’t heard before. Ha, “by da way classic album lyrics tighter than a virgin”…you’re pathetic. and for the record OB4CL2 blows the blueprint 3 away.
I like the album overall. But the more I listen to it the more I think, “Why does he sound like a sophisticated Lil’ Wayne?”
O_o
For all you all who can’t grasp the genius of what this man puts out for you all, who think he should just retire and stop making “mediocre music”, it’s simply becuase you guys aren’t in the same bracket…
Not in the same league…
Don’t shoot at the same baskets…
Don’t pay the same taxes…
Don’t mess with the same b*tches…
So how is Hov in the way? Tell me what we’re missing? (Already Home)
The sickest verse of 2009, however, IMO, is verse 3, Track 2, ( Thank You)
I was gonna kill a couple rappers but they did it to themselves
I was gonna do it with the flow, but they did it with their sales
Was gonna 9/11 them, but they didn’t need the help,
Cause they did a good job, them boys are talented as hell.
Cuz not only did they brick they put a building up as well
They ran a plane into that building and when that building fell
Ran to the crash site with no masks and inhaled
Toxins deep inside their lungs until both of them was filled
Blew a cloud out like a L into a jar then took a smell
Cuz they heard that second hand smoke kills
Niggas thought they was ill found out they was…ILL
And it’s like you knew exactly how I wanted you to feel.
Who’s wordplay compares? Hova wastes no lines, utilizes every bar to maximum effect. You can spend months trying to catch it all. Lyrical genius, with fifteen tracks jammed full of content. What more do you want from an album?
Beautiful music when champagne flutes click !
Im going to be honest a say this was jay z worst album
im not hating because im a jay z fan im just a disappointed
hip hop head i thought i was going to hear nothing less
then a classic but instead i heard a terrible piece of
work it wont be a fluke to say jay z album wont sale
cause it will just look who im talking about
D money u r one of da dumb ppl I was tlkn bout. I was using examples u moron on what a blueprint means. U can use da meaning of blueprint in many different ways dummy.
Ha, oh right I didn’t realize I needed an explanation for the word ‘blueprint’, it’s such a complicated word and all! You’re analysis of the album is trash, the notion that you are a ‘hater’ just because you think the bp3 is an average album – which it is – is retarded. Just shut your mouth now before you come out with another moronic comment.
I love The Blueprint 3!!! Of course, I have my favorites, but the entire album is solid, and worth the purchase. Aside from the music, his lyrics are enough to persuade me to purchase this album. My husband introduced me to the boy HOV (yea, he has his own lane, already)10 years ago, and I havent stopped loving him since. He’s the Best, no question. I can listen to his albums over and over again and not get tired of him. I’m watching the Fuse Concert right now on tv for the third time!! He’s crazy and cannot be touched. Go get that Blueprint 3!!! It’s worth the money! I cannot stop listening to it!!
Jay is the best and this ablum proves it. He’s in his own word. Name a rapper that has more #1 ablums and more hits! Like he said he’s on 2 the next 1. I mean he’s done everything u can possibly do in rap aint nothing else 4 him 2 achieve. So 4 all u clowns that have a negative opinion of j just listen 2 reminder and shut that shit up.
I’m so sick of ppl not listening to the artist and only listing to production! The music industry is so full of fakes and “trendy” artist that no one ever reconizes true potential or skill when they hear it. It should actually be the other way around. FUCK THE HATAS, The Blueprint 3 is truely a great way to end the trilogy. It’s great in every aspect, features, versus, production, and artwork (lol). Quit being such a fuckn’ hata and enjoy where the music is taking you.
“Young hov got the block on smash, and everybody and they mama wanna stop my cash, everybody want drama with the top of the branch.”- Jay Z
U just ha2in d dummy…
How dare u can say dis album iz not good. He just respondin to everybody who try to call him out and still gave dem a shout on star iz born. Lyrically he killed this album. This album iz definitely a classic u don’t listen to music good homey to say raekwon album betta than hovs u or an idiot what does rae give to da ppl on his album.pls. how dare u? If dats da case rae still tlkn bout clappin dudes and bitin cheeks off da dude is damn their jays age we all no he is lyin and if not he didn and can’t graduate dats why he ain’t gonna sale anything go wood in da hood. No inspiration at all givin to ppl man grow up fool. Never did anything big in life. Wow I can’t believe u said dat. Listen to ur albums fully spit a line off raes album dat destroys a jay line on bp3 then cum back to me d dummy!!!!!!!
Who ever thinks rae album iz betta than jay’s album better get their heads checked. Its totally impossible to compare raes album to jays. Not in da same league not in da same bracket don’t shoot at da same baskets don’t pay da same taxes. Come on!!!!!!! Go head wit dat…..
I’m wit u japan. Ppl are way to dumb these days. Their brain are too weak to decipher good lyricz dats why they stay stuck on stupid and stay stuck on dumb hooks and stay stuck in da hood cuz they don’t expand their brain. They don’t listen just hear. Dats all they do……….
10 number one albums in a row who betta than me only da beatles nobody ahead of me. This is fact. Nobody else can spit dat in hiphop…..
And by da way d dummy nobody compared bp3 album to buildings and relationships. I used the word blueprint to so ppl can understand what da word means dummy. Its obvious u don’t know for u to come out and say what u said. Another one who just hear things and not listen. Tell me what that means fool…….
Ppl are way too dumb these days?! Ha, that’s good coming from you – I can’t even make out what you are saying half the time, can you even speak English?! You’re actually annoying me now – you waffle on about ‘haters’ – do you not understand that I am a massive jay fan – I have 11 solo jay albums, 2 with r. kelly & 1 with linkin park – the difference btw me and you is I can look at this album objectively – you are completely lying to yourself if you think this album is anywhere near the first blueprint or the black album, it doesn’t even compare to American gangster – and that it what I compare the bp3 to because they were great albums. Jay has been working on bp3 for well over a year & I expected more. When he released swagga like us, history & Brooklyn go hard I was expecting big things but this album didn’t follow thru. Doesn’t mean I don’t think bp3 is a solid album, I love ‘thank you’, ‘already home’, ‘doa’, ‘a star is born’ – but is it a classic no! Filler Songs like ‘reminder’ ensure that. You’re entitled to your opinion and I’m entitled to mine but as a massive jay fan I think this album is a dissapointment. Now unless you make something constructive to say shut the fuck up.
This album is a long awaited classic. Every song has the potential to be a single. What else do we want? What’s the last hip-hop album that we could listen to all the way through without skipping a track? Um….Jay-Z’s!
Hov Is Hot , Will And Always Be. You Haters Doing Your Job… Im glad you enjoying yourself talking about the boy. He could careless. his money and title speaks for itself. IT’S ROC NATION YOU HATERZ YOU MAD CAUSE YOU NEED TO GET YOUR FUCKIN WEIGHT UP LMAO
All good emcees talk about themselves and how great they are or how much better they are than someone else. That’s the history of hip-hop…Its always been that way…Great songs come from true emotions. Who knows you better than you. The hooks on the songs create a better statement than his previous albums. The innovation of this album is rather than the hook carrying the song, as most artist have relied upon lately, its the content that drives the song. You know more than just the hook on the song. I think people misunderstand Venus vs. Mars…Its purely classic old school cipher rap evolved… There is no way you cant see the picture painted in every verse…btw two times is never enough to say that you reviewed an album…p.s. kanye west was on D.O.A as well…
D money u r one of those ppl who probably listen to beats only. Ur comparing bp3 to american gangster u can’t even do dat bcuz they r 2 different aspects of music. American gangster was a soundtrack to go with the movie. That was kind based on a similar scenario of jayz’s life as a hustler to match what the movie was about. Once again classic album but 2 different concepts. First off which track off bp3 is wack. I can honestly say swiss beats beat was garbage but the lyrics were hot. That’s about it. Bk anthem was hotter than brooklyn go hard especially with word play. Word play he destroyed this album u just dumb enough not to understand. What we tlkn bout, thank you, doa, run this town, empire state of mind, real as it gets, next one, star is born, off that, venus and mars, already home, reminder, hate, ambitous, forever young which of these songs are week if u actually listened to da album buddy. Like I said u shut ur d dummy ass up and came back to me when u get some sense. Bp3 a different stage he has reached that’s what this album represents. Like he said everybody wants him to take it back he doin betta than b4 why would he do dat. What is gonna do make an album tlkn bout how he fuckin ppl up and he is steal sellin drugs and clappin ppl come on grow up we would all know he lying right. He to real dats why his music is respected. Assholeeee. Unlike raekwon 40 yrs old still fuckin ppl up right pls.
If any rapper still fuckin ppl up and shootin dudes at the age of 40 and is lookin for their career to blow is waistin their time. The era has changed that shit wack now. Sound like clowns.
All it will b is good in the hood which is cool but their career ain’t goin nowhere un less music goes back to gangsta era. The last to come off on that was 50 cent fella. Come on….
Wow. From all the negative feedback I’ve just read, I’m kind of heart broken. I respect the craft and Jay showed his outstanding musical talent. Yeah there’s emcees out there with better rhyme schemes, but tell the truth, most emcees are boring. Lacking energy in their words and overall boring production. I agree they took a Bobby digi approach to their production for jay, but like he said and I quote ” you want my old sh@! buy my old album”. I only heard the album through once and I was impressed throughout. Yeah I agree to weak sounding hooks, but the verses are old jay with a diffrent approach. He won back a fan. I disagree with the article by choice of weakest tracks. Venus and mars sits well with me. I can’t say I am a die hard hip hop fan, but being an old school emcee that did it out of the love and stopped for the risk of my soul, I have to say this has inspiration and it filled a void I had for years. Thank you had a weak hook but it brought me back to reasonable doubt era. ” beautiful women sipping champagne out of rouge lips”. Say no more.
Just a quick review. The album is lyrically great in my opinion. I agree that a lot of what is new about this is the beats and the music, but I do see the lyrics as deeper and more insightful than any other hip hop out right now, other than other Kanye stuff, but his is different more emotional and less mature i’d say.
Anyways, mostly just wanted to say that anyone giving bad reviews now will more than likely change their opinion in the not so far future. Lyrically mainstream rap is finally maturing away from the bs gangsta rap and fake facades. Hopefully the kids now growing up listening to this stuff will continue the trend and make main stream hip hop even more mature. I guess because Jay Z and all the other artists we’ve listened to growing up are all maturing now and finally have some better stuff to rap about.
Yo kev exactly my point. Who wants to keep listening to bs gangsta rap its kool don’t get me wrong but where is da positive side of hiphop nowadays. Dats why ppl who keep listening to dat gangsta shit their brain don’t expand. It gets boring after awhile. Have something new to bring to da tables.
Dats why a lot of artists flop bcuz they can’t do it. Whoever can’t recognize dat bp3 is a classic needs to get their ears checked.
…you fuckers dont get it, this is ana’ level of music…’jay don run rap no more he runs the map’ suckers…
Jaxo yes sirrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!! Jay got shit on smizzzzassshhhhhh………ppl pls don’t ha2e…lol
Enough of ur complainin, boo whoooo’s already
Eat food already ain’t nuttin givin u got 2 claim ur shoes already…..lol
For information I don’t know these clowns racin, jay is already at da finish line wit da flag waivin…lol
We ea2in y’all food leavin dishes….lol
At first bp3 was kind of questionable but after actually listening to it for while, its hot!!! yea tracks like reminder and thank you was not the best of j. but,,, i run this town, already home, forever young,doa, empire state of mind, and a star is born, is all fire. 2 bad tracks out of 15 is not bad.
Thought it was mad mediocre at first. Seemed like it tailed off.
Then I kept listening.
I recommend that you do the same. This joint is crazy dope. “Hate” is just off the meter. Kanye is ridiculous in the joint. “DB9 like vroom vroom vroom!” — you gotta listen to how he growls when he says it. Venus vs Mars is one of the best metaphorical joints I think he’s ever done. (yes — ever). Pharrell put it down (you need to play that joint LOUD!). A Star is Born, Empire State… damn. On and on. 4.5 out of 5.
BP3 doesn’t have the best beats…hooks could be better…but who gives a *darn* about that hokey crap. That’s superficial…the rhymes is incredible! Do you still play with toys or have you grown up and started doing GROWN UP SHIT? He is 40 why whould he still be talking about the same thing. I guess he released this album thinking that his FANS had grown up with him…but maybe not. He even addressed Jaz-O but didn’t give him enough bars…thats like yeah you mean nothing homie and guess what? I don’t owe you SHIT. I don’t like the Swizzbeatz beat, but On the Next One is hot…if you understand what it means to be ON TO THE NEXT ONE…You can’t comnpare any album to Reasonable Doubt, just like you can’t compare any Nas album to Illimatic, or Rae’s to The Purple Tape…but what you would hope is that people grow up and give you something new. I am almost 30 years old I am glad he is rapping something new…Beats could be better true…but the same people who only listen to Beats like Gucci Mane and them…Like I asked a friend, if Big and Pac was here…do you think that they would be on the same -ish??? I seriously doubt it…
I believe this article is contradictory. Its confusing to say he’s “but an old man going quietly into the night” when the author himself admitted he’s laying down a future outline for hip hop. This author needs an editor or a new one.
I have a feeling that people rather listen to jay-z talk about jay-z rather than solja boy make more brainless dance songs or more rappers make generic songs following jay-z. So when or if he does retire alot of people will have a bleek outlook about hip hop since he is an innovator, from the 90’s to now.
As far as people complaining its the same jay i doubt that is true because he is talking about things people can relate more to. In empire state of mind he’s reciting old new york because anyone who lived in nyc more than the 15 years can tell you it changed. So that song is for nyc natives (sorry outsiders). Venus vs mars can “have a bad hook” but anyone who has interesting relationships can tell you its a interesting song. It does indeed lack traditional hip hop but if you want 90’s and 2000’s hip hop music go buy the new redman album or get raekwon’s.
There’s nothing new in hip hop, so i can say with ease no rapper done this kind of album. The funny part is jay-z is a target for haters, aka people who just dont listen to him when he’s just different, but they can admit he made one album they like if not now than before. So i know we should think about this lame ass article’s inconsistencies and go listen for ourselves. Please say something that makes sense, i wrote this comment so mislead readers can actually have an unbiased opinion about a good album. This album is about new hip hop, a rapper taking a risk. Besides listen to American Gangster, i felt that it was traditional enough while being fresh, it only been two to three years.
Thanks for your time and dont read bullshit that people like this author wrote. Think & listen for yourself.
Hit me up BudeSauce@yahoo.com
jay’s blueprint 3 is a instant classic hands down.. jay has always talked about himself on his albums, so why the surprise? Why try to turn him into something he’s not at this stage in the game. I think you guys are merely using something he’s always done as a nominal construct, in an attempt to be hyper-critical. This album is indeed a classic because lyrically no one can come close to the real life pictures he paints, and like most of you admitted, the production is futuristic and it sets the stage for a serious change in hip hop…. this album is classic, period.
…..P.S., just because he enmeshes his lyrics and ideas into the minds of hip hop listeners by using various phrases from HISTORIC HIP HOP ICONS doesn’t make him a biter, I’m from the old school, and I know that doesn’t constitute biting. so stop it.
im not a jay z fan but i dont dislike him either. but is their anyone on this page that can relate to what he is saying an what he has with all the yatchs and shit. do any one on this page have all the shit that he talks about. yes he maybe consider a great lyricist with all the word play for that matter he might as well be a english teacher. i know someone will get affended for me saying this as well. but i would never by any of his albums to make him rich cause the nigga aint giving us a mill or two for buying his cd’s no rapper does not to my knowledge. i cant relate to what the nigga is saying and a real nigga want just throw that shit in a nigga face who aint got it or put a nigga down to get where he want to be. he can put his self in a nigga shoes he just a story teller who i like to listen to from time to time. FREE T.I.P!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and niggas stop with all the internet thug banging. lol shits ridiculous
if the game was a preacher and t.i. was a deacon i would go to church every sunday. real talk. why you think when Game said that the shit that jay-z talks about, cant no fan on earth relate to what he is saying thats not motivational thats discouraging. thats making me feel like damn this nigga talking bout me. i aint got a mill(but im trying to get their) i aint got yachts and boats and 10houses all of over the country who on this page does. but like i said i like some of the stories. his music doesn’t motivate me to do nuthing.
totally agree with ten-a-key!!!!
I’m not even gonna lie, when I first listened to this album…. I only like one or two tracks. Then I listened to it again and then again….. it grew on me. I could honestly listen to this album all the way through now. He doesn’t need a catchy hook, that grows to show you that the state of hip hop is sad if the hook has to catch you. It should be about the lyrics and Jay’s wordplay is freaking incomparable to any artist out nowadays. And Jay has tried to talk about different things, like on Kingdom Come but he got criticized for that. The fuck you guys want from this man?
I feel he has already proved himself, he’s been done that back in the late 90s/early 2000. If you don’t like this album, that is your opinion but you can’t deny this is a classic… sorry guys.
Ten a key u a dumb ass muthafucka….. watch wat jay has grew up from and wat he has accomplished. Jay alwayz says muthafuckas can do wat he do but why don’t they cuz certain ppl lack brains or just ha2e too much. Sum 1 like u wld get offended b/c either u lack brains or u r just a plain old ha2er. Shit I don’t have the shit dat jay got I don’t look at it as if he is dissin me cuz he is not. Just like he says on da intro ppl don’t focus on them they keep focus on me tlk bout wat I wear tlk bout where he b check out his hair those ain’t curls those r peas well peazy head still get paid he combing thru g’z pls. Listen to music b4 u make a shitty comment dumb fuck………..ha2er!!!!!!!!!!!
This iz wat I don’t get wit ppl. Everybody can accomplish sumwhat of wat jay has accomplished. Just focus on wat and how u need to do it rather than ha2e and watch wat da next muthafucka doin. Itz dat simple……. don’t ha2e cuz dat just shows da type of person u r. Jay can tlk bout wat he has the muthafucka worked hard for it. And if u r gettin hurt by dis half a key I mean ten a keyhe is not dissin ppl who support his music or offending ppl who support his music by braggin about wat he has accomplshed or wat he does have, he is simply dissin da clown ass rappers who r gettin at him cuz they r ha2in just like u. So listen to music pls b4 u just start bloggin bullshit homey. Okay!!!!!! Thank you! Thank you. Thank you! U far to kind……. don’t b mad this is all about progression, loiterers should b arrested…..lol. get ur head right!!!!!!
dont have time for a cnn debate about jay z. didn’t mean to hurt your feelings go suck his dick slizzy.
“I don’t know why they worried bout my pockets Meanwhile I had Oprah chillin in the projects Had her out in Bedstuy chillin on the steps Drinking quarter waters I gotta be the best MJ at summer Jam, Obama on the text Ya’ll should be afraid of what I’m going to do next” – On to The Next One
Geeeeeeezz this dude is a problem! Expand your minds people you’ll be surprised where it takes you.
See criticism like this is always brought when you bring something different to the game and people with short attention spans just can’t comprehend or keep up, so you really can’t get mad at the haters.
Slizzy you a real dude
Ya’ll check out my review http://ufammink.com/?p=354
Agree with some of the things said but, the “thank you” hook is killer, “Venus vs Mars: hook is cool dont hae a problem with it, as for the reminder hook…agree with you fully very irritating. Think that “young forever” is a deep track and Mr udson does a brilliant job.So its a solid album non the less, as Jay-Z reminds people that yeah other rappers floss but they dont have as much of right to floss like forbes number 1 rapper does.
Still in demand -and-
Longest run standing
Kidnapped rap, Seven years
No ransom.
In all honesty a buddy of mine let me listen to Reasonable Doubt a couple of years ago, and for that I am forever indebted. With Jay being the first emcee I actually payed attention to, i might have a slight bias, but there is no way that someone can say that this Man isn’t the “greatest.” His sales, decisions with his money, inlfuence on pop culture, absolute genius on the mic, and ability to ride any beat proves that he is, and always will be the best. BP3 is a terrific albumn, not quite sure its the best I’ve ever heard from him, but still a good listen and still makes me hit rewind and relight the blunt.
yea fuck my teachaaa!…ill teach his ass!…
ambitious is the dopesttt…
Who is this guy reviewing this album. He obviously has no idea what he is talking about. Leave it to the pros yeah dude???
Ten a key enough wit da complainin boo whoos already.hahahahahahahaha ha2er…. how dare u put game up there he practically beggin for attention. The type of dude to dis a muthafucka fucka and say wats up when he see the dude he dissed. Fake ass nucca. Keep it real.
Tlk about feelings ten a key u already suckin on games dick fake ass rapper. Change of heart nucca. Get it right. And he got played by his girl on change of heart. Blonde head mohawk fag dats wat da game is.lol
I think that most are missing one key point. Yes there are a lot of songs featuring this artist or that. The problem is that these artists are all mediocre in the business, compared to Jay-Z. (Excluding Kanye but he himself is a mockery of the Hip-hop movement.) Most are just riding the coat-tails of a man who has capitalized everything that he can as far as MCeeing. He’s got nothing left and most of the other artist’s minus Alicia and Pharrell sound the same as everything else you hear out there. The stupid T-Pain(ful) synthesized voice that is everywhere now is horrible… I can’t believe that anyone would dare call this Hip-Hop. It resembles more kindly as Kyle said the “club music” that poison’s the streets today. You gotta have an I.Q. of 3 to believe that this album is a truly good hip-hop album. You could put this album next to Alphaville’s forever young which only had one hit here in the states. And coincidentally that song is on this album too entitled “Forever Young”! What a Joke.
Is it wrong that I would like Kingdom Come more?? I’ve been let down and disappointed. Not to the point to tarnish Jay’s reputation, but nonetheless its not his best. By far, the bad tracks outweigh the gains Jay has made w/ the better tracks on this album. It’s tough to say I don’t like an album by Jay-Z but I’m afraid I’m closer than ever w/ this album than any other. Jay should focus attention from innovation to maintaining his distance from the rest of the pack. That’s where this album falls flat on its face
”perfectly solid album (well, a perfectly solid album with lots of bad hooks”
Are you out of your mind? Jay-Z always has catchy hooks.
Ever since early days with BIG.
For instance Sunshine, I love the dough, dead presidents… through to S. Carter, Encore blah blah blah not to mention Kingdom Come!
I think you need to look at how you describe bad hooks in comparison to alot of other rap hooks out at the moment.
Serious though, the album is solid and is a grower. Hooks are always part of JayZ sound so dont look on it as a negative.
I give this album 8.8 much better than Kingdom come… on par with BP1. i still love AG even though not strictly a studio album.. that is deep and the idea was impressive.
To produce an album of this quality as a main project is a 9/10 effort… to do this with all the other project Jay Z will have is a talent 10/10.
WHY R PEOPLE SAYING THAT “HOV IS BAC.”
WHERE DID HE GO TO START WITH?
THE BLUEPRINT 3 IS A HOT ALBUM. I JUST PUT THE ALBUM ON TO PLAY AND ITS A RAP. FROM BEGINNING TO END. EVERY TRACK IS FLAMES.
ROC NATION STAN UP!
@Giles… Are you out of your mind? On par with BP1? Not many records in Hip-Hop history are on par with the original Blueprint. D.O.A. is a monster of a track, that’s about it.
Im not a Hip Hop expert as some ppl on here seem to think they are. But i get this, the moment i started playing it. 1 – 15 is great! i get each track and what its saying. Hip Hop has always been about progression, moving forward, thats we why applaud musical minds like Kanye, Pharrell, Timbaland, Missy. They not doing the same things that their heroes were doing, they progressed from it.
To make an analogue, Madonna is the greatest musician alive, because of her progression, reinventing herself and the genre.
Jay-Z’s lyrics and flow is awesome. I say its the best album the industry has produced since The Eminem Show! Which puts it up there with Chronic nad most of Tupacs work in my humble opinion!
And about the biting, everyone copies from everyone, because everyone is influenced by everyone. For good or bad!
Just a shout out to Rihanna… absolutely amazing on Run This Town… Gave me chills.
Didn’t know the background behind the album, does not detract from it though.
It’s stayin’ in the shuffle.
WOW @ Damien.
I dont know why people expect this album to be on the same level with reasonable doubt.. Jay clearly states hes trying something different.
Lyrically Jay is still tight, his lyrical ability and trademark flow havnt gone anywhere which can only mean good listen at the very least.
The most solid tracks are Already Home, A Star Is Born and So Ambitious..
There a a few big hits with DOA, run This Town and Empire State Of Mind..
And then there are a couple of average songs like Venus vs. Mars and Off That.
I Actually really like Young Forever, Mr Hudson puts in a good contribution to the song.. Also Young Jeezy holds his own with Jay on Real As It Gets.
Overall a very solid album, give credit where its due! Jay has been ontop f the game for over a decade now its impressive that hes even still making good music.
The first time I listened to the Bluprint 3,I thought Jay-Z had lost it,but then again thats the same way i felt when I first heard the black album.Jay-Z’s delivery on this album is unparalleled,to be able to rap for 13 years and have the relevance,dexterity and accentuations he is able to deliver…sick!!!Quick question where is 50cent and all his school boy rhymes,or even nelly with his kindegarten flows??That shit falls off the radar as quickly as they catch on!The man said it himself he’s off the old shit…JAY-Z STILL KING and I have a feeling he’s jus getting started.Young Forever!
Great songs on the album:
A Star is born= 10
So ambitious=10
Venus vs Mars=10 (sick song delivery and pun is tight)
Already Home=9
Young Forever=10*****
Fuck it the album is the shit go figure!
“If you want my old shit, buy my old album.”
Period!
I listened to this album like I always do. With some dro and a long drive to anywhere. And as usual with Jay’s stuff, I didn’t really care for some of it. The tracks he chooses to rhyme on are (for the most part) different than you would hear from any other MC. So when I drive, I listen all the way through one way. Then I try to focus on just Jay on the way back. And, as usual, on the way back listening to Jay brings me to the music and I see what it was he was trying to do.
I won’t say this is he greatest work, top to bottom, but it is good. I like the fact that Hov tries not to use re-hashed lil John beats. Or stay on Kanye’s old soul beats. He tries to stay ahead of the curve. I also like that he chooses to have tracks with a more musical feel. You can almost see him on stage with a band or orchestra (“Close your eyes, you can tell. Hov’s the audio equilavent of braile.”). This album continues this trend. Mixing those musical tracks with the standard “dude with a computer and drum machine” beats. All well laid under Jays picture-like lyrics.
I will admit, some of the hooks are just there, but, 99% of the hooks in hip-hip suck so that arguement for not liking an album is as lame as the hooks. I don’t listen to listen to music for hooks and those of you that used that line need to put down the hip-hip and get you some Britney Spears.
I like this album alot. There are a couple of songs I can skip, but that’s because of the beats. But even on those I love the lyrics.
And who said the man has to make a classic album everytime.
8/10 from me.
Docavelli
Why listen to a hip-hop CD if you are not a hip-hop fan? If you are indeed a H-H fan then you have to like this album. It’s a no-brainer! He aint threatening anybody or talking the usual bullet crap! Ok, yeh he talks of wealth etc, but let’s face it, he has earned all that -and is THE best at what he does. Not like KW (who does have great tracks) but is simply not on the same planet! He is in his own league. Wish I was 10% behind him! He is awesome, end of! “A star is born” ….. genius -and a nice touch to fellow rappers. Loves what he does and is top-draw at it!
Muchas gracias JZ!
I that after utimately trying to look into the future on this one he has managed to produce something that does not stand out from the rest of the generally awful artists and songs out at the moment. I am a big Jay Z fan and old kanye fan, jay z talks a bout rappers T-paining to much yet the album was full of slow synthetic vibes and digital voices. With the exception of the obvious single releases that are on this album nothing stands out that will make this album a classic. It seems that the whole game at the miniute is stuck and needs someone to come through and break the trend of pop rap that is being churned out.
I believe that Kanye West (college dropout) lil wayne, T.I.(King)are the last few who managed to be truely orignal at the time and unfortunatly jay z took a step back on this one!! his flows and lyrics still have me hooked but the background noise felt like it was a lazy rushed attempt to get the album out using whatever beats was around at the time. Id like to see a Jay Z album produced by Dre with all the masters back at features from snoop, warren g, Nate, Nas, Eminem, maybe mixing it up with a bit of Lupe fiasco, busta rhymes and bishop Lamont. Thats got classic written all over it!!