Jay-Z

Editor's Review:

The Blueprint, the latest in a seemingly never-ending series of releases from one of rap’s most prolific artists, is a collection of typical Jay Z tracks: lots of soul and chill funk breaks, laced with fresh and clean female vocals and hard bottom ends, as well as key and string accompaniment that complete the J-Hova sound. The raps are also standard Jay Z faire: thug life, player life and declaring his innocence in the face of legal prosecution…still. Despite any cliches evident in the Jigga-man’s vibe, however, there is no question that he knows how to put it down — the album’s first single, "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," is already a club favorite; and cuts like "U Don’t Know" and the Nas diss track, "Takeover," are full of clever word play, displaying the skills that keep J-Hova going.

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Record Label Universal / Def Jam Released September 2001

Tracks The Ruler’s Back Takeover Izzo (H.O.V.A.) Girls Girls Girls Jigga That Nigga U Don’t Know Hola Hovito Heart of the City Never Change Song Cry All I Need Renegade (feat. Eminem) Blueprint (Mama Love Me)