Jay-Z
“The Blueprint”
(Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
Hmm, the package is blue, there’s a sticker on it that says its all smash hits, and its got Jay-Z’s name on it—I think it’ll sell. Jay-Z’s newest album The Blueprint is granted to be another platinum record but that doesn’t mean I gotta hype it. The Blueprint is another sample-fest, borrowing from the extremes of the Doors to ol’ soul hits. Jay collaborates with various artists, (this has become unwritten law of hip hop to make that dolla) such artists include Q to-da Tip and M&M who stopped in to drop a few lines, along with Jay’s Roc-a-Fella familia e.g. Memphis Bleek & Beenie Sigel. The first single IZZO, plays into Jay’s age old secret of making up words to make a song stick, Jigga. Have to give that Jigga credit though, its got a dope beat. Other songs to become popular-> Girls, Girls, Girls and U Don’t Know which both follow the $ making pattern of finding a beat that worked once will work again. This album is a bit softer than past ones so if your look! ing for that traditional east-coast flava it may be a bit different than what you’re used to. All-in-all Jay drops some good beats and melodic tunes. In the traditionalistic way I give it two and a half stars or my version, three middle fingers up.
