The Blueprint

Description

The Blueprint may be Jay Zs most captivating record since Reasonable Doubt, but its predictably detached mood reflects the master hustlers superior ability to trick out lackluster subject matter with lyrical complexity and brief flashes of manufactured introspection. The Blueprint, a solid mix of preprogrammed radio hits (Izzo, Girls, Girls, Girls) and better-than-average mid-tempo compositions (Never Change, Song Cry), confirms the Brooklyn rappers legendary status. Blistering flames of the Queensbridge/Jay Z feud fan high with Takeover, a direct attack on Nas, set over the Doors rock & roll burner, 5 to 1. Renegade provides the albums only full-on guest appearance. Jay and Eminem take this opportunity to address haters (within the industry and in the general population) who dont understand the mind of an artist. Jigga spells it out on the title track: Reasonable Doubtclassic, shoulda went triple. The Blueprint might not be quite on par with Reasonable Doubt but it is reasonably good. Rebecca Levine