Jay-Z - The Blueprint (2001)
The Blueprint, Jay-Z’s definitive release, and one of hip-hop’s best, revolutionized the entire hip-hop world upon its release in 2001. During production, Jay-Z was held up by two separate court cases and ended up only spending two days recording. But it is through this brevity that the album finds its strength. Simple, brooding beats and powerful soul samples by producers Timbaland and, particularly, Kanye West compliment Jay’s smooth flow, creating a menacing atmosphere for the record.
On the first real track, the Kanye produced diss-track “Takeover," Jay takes out his rival Nas (Nas' album is available here) backed by pummeling Doors and David Bowie samples. He then flows flawlessly into “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”, the hit single that threw West into the spotlight. Kanye returns later in the album to provide more haunting backing tracks, flanking the Timbaland street party highlight “Hola Hovito." On the latter, Jay-Z’s braggadocio never quite gets the best of him, brimming with deserved confidence throughout the album, despite his claim that while he “ain’t better than Big, I’m the closest one." But hey, maybe he is, maybe he’s not. It’s not a fair argument given their bodies of work—but I am positive that this is great album, something his old mentor would’ve been proud of.
Recommended Tracks: Izzo, All I Need, Renegade
Genres: Rap, Hip-Hop
Link: http://www.mediafire.com(SLASH)?wzcwyqtltw3
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