Jay-Z – The Blueprint

September 11, 2001
Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
Rating: 4.6 / 5

The Music Rag One Sentence Review: Arguably Jigga’s masterpiece, he spits expertly only the way he can on then-beefs, girls (girls, girls), and a possible stint in prison, all without unnecessary skits and other frills and superbly soulful production from the likes of Timbaland, Just Blaze, and an at-the-time unknown Kanye West. (With a great guest appearance by Eminem on “Renegade”.)

Ain’t no love: With Jay-Z facing the possibility of a prison sentence for gun possession and assault, The Blueprint was written in a mere two days and recorded in two weeks. The album’s second track, “Takeover” addresses various MCs who were attacking Jay-Z at the time, including Nas, Prodigy, and Mobb Deep, with a mere “fuck y’all niggas” to all other critics.