Jay-Z needs no introduction, though he frequently feels the need to reintroduce himself. His critically acclaimed “The Blueprint” series needs no explanation. It’s an episodic series that has taken aim at his enemies and served as a pedestal for Jay-Z to cement his legacy.
In 2001’s “The Blueprint,” Jay-Z took on Nas, his nemesis turned ally. “The Blueprint 3,” however, is an album that is sure to be met with derision amongst fans and naysayers alike. Though Jay-Z is undisputedly respected in the rap game, he has crafted this album as a stand against popular culture. It’s fiercely anti-radio like his unconventional single, “Death of Autotune.”
What Jay-Z and co-executive producer Kanye West have is an album that is almost timeless in its approach. The beats are sometimes sparse, and take a cue from ’90s boom bap (think of KRS-One), while maintaining much of the soul of the other albums.
Songs like “Thank You” and “So Ambitious” are like lyrical exercises for Jay, who hasn’t shown this much ambition since “The Blueprint.” It seems like he’s having fun on the mic again, and after a few shaky starts since his un-retirement, “The Blueprint 3” shows an artist who is finally comfortable in his own skin.
Jay-Z waxes nostalgic on “Empire State Of Mind” with Alicia Keys, taking a cue from Kool Moe Dee’s flow on one of the verses and reunites with Young Jeezy on “Real As It Gets,” which isn’t a bad collaboration between the two.
Ironically, the ones who Jay targets on this album are those who once loved him. In this new age of citizen jurnalism, public opinion has labeled the man known as “Hova” as a cog in the business machine: an old, washed-up rapper, and more comically, a camel. Jay addresses these comments on “Already Home” which is undoubtedly the best track on the album. Assisted with an excellent chorus by the up-and-coming Kid Cudi, “Already Home” gives the middle finger to the Internet hype machine, fair-weathered fans and MC’s who have turned on him.
There are some questionable decisions on the album. “Off That” features some really half-baked Timbaland production. The track “Star Is Born,” features many backhanded compliments to Jay-Z’s peers than it does up-and-coming artist, J.Cole, who he doesn’t even mention. Jay’s current single “Run This Town” features Rihanna and a song-stealing verse from Kanye West but there are definitely more worthy selections on the album.
In “The Bluenprint 3” Jay-Z asks listeners and peers to advance their creativity in the same vein that Eminem’s “Relapse” did a few months ago. Albums like this can either polarize or unify the industry to change its old habits. Let’s just hope it’s not too late.
Rating: 8/10