User Score
Generally favorable reviews- based on 215 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 155 out of 215
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Mixed: 39 out of 215
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Negative: 21 out of 215
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Jun 9, 2023
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Jul 9, 2021The third installment in the Blueprint trilogy, the Blueprint III is a strong outing for Jay-Z from 2009. Jay-Z is lyrically strong as always and flows well. His beats are for the most part pretty good, on this album they are more pop-oriented. The stand out tracks are Empire State of Mind, On to the Next One, Off That, Run This Town, Real As It Gets, and D.O.A.
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Mar 21, 2020This is my personal favorite Jay-Z album, if not one of my favorite albums period. It has so many classic songs I remember loving as a youngster and I can still vibe with now. And Empire State of Mind is an absolute classic, just like this album. 10/10.
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Jan 20, 2017There are some gems in this album but overall it's just boring. The beat selection is so generic besides some tracks like D.O.A. and Run This Town and for most of the album Jay Z's verses are just cliche, nothing special. And a few tracks on the album are just annoying
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Apr 24, 2015The third opus in Jigga's Blueprint franchise still has quality lyrics, great guest features and an awesome production by Timbo and Kanye to create instant classics such as Empire state of mind and Young Forever.
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Mar 26, 20157.3/10................................................................................................................................................
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Mar 11, 2015With a big horn section, strong beats, and creative lyrics, Jay-Z offers up a rap album to be reckoned with. Featuring an awesome artist on nearly every track, each song is a masterpiece.
Recommended Tracks: Hate, Already Home, Young Forever -
Mar 10, 2015Still bumping it 6 years after the initial release. "Young Forever" and "A Star is Born (feat. J. Cole)" are my favorite from the album but I still do get pretty hype over most of the songs off the album.
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Mar 10, 2015Great album by Hov! It's a little different from previous Jay-Z album's but that's not a bad thing as he still kills it. Nice beats and nice rhymes by Jay-z. This album mainly speaks about how Jay-Z has not lost a step and he's still on top of the rap game. It's worth the money to buy this album.
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Sep 18, 2014Personally this is probably the worst Jay-Z album ever. Empire State of Mind, Venus vs. Mars, and D.O.A are the only songs I'd recommend to someone to listen to. Do yourself a favor and skip this album.
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May 16, 2014I agree with another reviewer that said that Jay-Z is on autopilot. There's very little passion in this album. The production quality of the mixing and mastering is also pretty poor. The album doesn't communicate anything. It's just generic sound. The only track that's exceptional is Empire State of Mind.
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Apr 13, 2014I very much enjoyed The Blueprint 3. Jay Z produces an album that even someone who isn't the biggest rap fan will enjoy. A lack of shallow lyrics for the most part and catchy beats and tracks makes this a success.
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Nov 25, 2013
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Nov 18, 2013This Album definitely had it's moments Empire State of mind). However, overall it was a very inconsistent album. It seems that at times, Jay Z gets annihilated, whether it's by little brother Run this town), or the next hottest thing out (drake). Only about 5 or 6 great tracks on this album, that's what saves the album.
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Mar 15, 2012His most complete album musically; only slight disappointment was D.O.A. (great idea, but Jay-Z singing "na na na na... hey hey hey goodbye" was not the greatest idea he every had). Overall, however, a very good album.
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Feb 2, 2012
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Nov 14, 2011"Empire State of Mind" was a great song describing new york and Jay Z's life beautifully with rythmic raps and great support from Alicia Keys. Must listen!!!
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Sep 27, 2011Jay-Z should be ashamed. Yes he is top of the Charts, yes he went platinum, but does that mean it has skill. For some who bleats he is the "best Rapper Alive" I was expecting a much better Album, especially after American Gangster.
They were all radio friendly tracks the one collaboriation song with J. Cole should have been a single. That would bring a lot recognition to J. Cole. -
Aug 22, 2011
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Jun 22, 2011My favorite Jay-z album. It truly has a great style and feel. If there was ever a rapper to stand up against eminem, after hearing this album, i'd say it has to be jay-z.
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Jan 9, 2011So many awesome guests in his songs. One of the best albums I ever listened to.
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DemoineONov 25, 2009HOV should retire I enjoyed the beats more than the lyrics.He is too overated go out and buy RELAPSE or BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT to see true genius and lyrical prowess.
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DavidWNov 23, 2009
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D.TNov 16, 2009A Half decent effort....& a half terrible album! Has glimpse's of why we love Jay-Z & also has moments of how he can be a ignorant to the point were you think "Is this guy serous" However songs like "Thank you" "Off That" & "D.O.A" Are great & demonstrate how advanced his head is interms of creativity (When its not up his Arse) D.Tail
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CailyDNov 1, 2009Should have stayed retired.
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JaeJOct 31, 2009This album is a peace of art, from all the blueprints album i have heard this one is so far the greatest one.... Just by listening to it you can hear his pain, and how him feelings about everything.
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seanrOct 20, 2009HOV. you cannot make a comeback;when you was never gone.
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PatrickJ.Oct 18, 2009Pretty sure this was supposed to be a Jay-Z album... yeah, that's right, I'm talking to you "timba". Let's be realistic. Jay-Z, you're an accomplished writer, producer, and successful Label owner. Why, oh God, why, are you getting Timbaland in to produce your stuff? BUT! that having been said, aside from the blatantly obvious timba parts, the album was well done.
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AnthonyP.Oct 15, 2009The spark is missing. Definitely worth the spins, but it won't blow you away.
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BarryAOct 12, 2009One of the best hip-hop albums of recent times.
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Awards & Rankings
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Blueprint is hip-hop as big business, and Jay retains his CEO throne.
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Jay overreaches, leaning too heavily on by-the-numbers production from Kanye West and Timbaland, and muffling his own voice in favor of a guest-heavy tracklist.
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Without its filler, this album could have been at least good, if not great. But, for better or for worse, this is what Jay wanted us to hear right now. It’s just a shame that it’s not entirely worth hearing.