The Blueprint
by Jay-Z
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 305 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 279 out of 305
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 305
  3. Negative: 21 out of 305

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  1. BlakeG
    May 24, 2007
    10
    Best album of 01.
  2. hiphop97
    Nov 9, 2013
    10
    This album is just a classic. I love every track on their. The production is perfect. The lyrics are great although there are better lyricists out there. I really enjoyed the album overall. I wish Jay Z would make music like this again.
  3. rabseye
    Aug 17, 2010
    10
    easily one of the best rap album of the decade if not the best. personally i believe it matches the black album and reasonable doubt in quality and may even outshadow them. ultimately jay z at his best
  4. axelkoch
    May 30, 2013
    8
    Finally, we’ve got a confirmation that Reasonable Doubt wasn’t just a one-album wonder. The knickerbocker rapper stepped in the booth again for a 6th studio album in 6 years and while the last 4 were really forgettable for most of the time, he really surprised with a release full with elaborately-phrased, greatly flowed, and very well-produced hip hop tracks that peak in two fantasticFinally, we’ve got a confirmation that Reasonable Doubt wasn’t just a one-album wonder. The knickerbocker rapper stepped in the booth again for a 6th studio album in 6 years and while the last 4 were really forgettable for most of the time, he really surprised with a release full with elaborately-phrased, greatly flowed, and very well-produced hip hop tracks that peak in two fantastic verses by the new, white rap-phenomenon Eminem on Renegade who’s actually the only featured artist on this album (his last album, The Dynasty; had 22 credited feature artists on only 16 songs!). Jay-Z himself is also very nice to listen to with songs that really appeal to the mainstream listener, but should also be good for entertaining his fans in the ghetto. It may not be as good as his debut, yet it’s an undeniably enjoyable listen that doesn’t get boring.… Expand
  5. lisiak
    Jan 9, 2016
    10
    The best album by Jay-Z. The best album of the noughties. Every track is great, but my favourite: 'Heartf of The City', 'Hola Hovito', 'U Don't Know', and 'Never Change'.
  6. D_McNorris
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    Clearly his best album of his carrer. So many great tracks over and over again. Classic Album.
  7. Frank
    Apr 21, 2007
    10
    Just as good as his classic debut "Reasonable Doubt", wait, actually... it's better, alot better overall. I don't think Jay-Z's ever going to top this album. EVER!!
  8. MiguelA
    Jun 6, 2009
    10
    The reason you cant always trust the user ratings on Metacritic (especially in the Rap genre) is because there are the "haters" who will not even listen to the album and rate it a 1 because that rapper has "beef" with his favorite rapper. Even though this album has an 8.5 rating, I'm disgusted. This is one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of ALL TIME. Jay's rapping is sick, and so The reason you cant always trust the user ratings on Metacritic (especially in the Rap genre) is because there are the "haters" who will not even listen to the album and rate it a 1 because that rapper has "beef" with his favorite rapper. Even though this album has an 8.5 rating, I'm disgusted. This is one of the greatest Hip Hop albums of ALL TIME. Jay's rapping is sick, and so are the beats. That's all you need to know. It's balanced.… Expand
  9. JohnS
    Aug 5, 2003
    9
    Yes, every track in this album/compilation/life story/masterpiece sounds like a hit. Can't get over it until Jay releases a better one.
  10. trevorm
    Mar 13, 2004
    10
    true classic
  11. shawnj
    Apr 10, 2004
    10
    Jay -z's best album, Izzo and company provide a great album of rap/hip hop
  12. LanaG10T
    Aug 13, 2004
    8
    It's easy to make an excellent rap album when you're "stealing" so much from other people's songs. Anyway, this is Jigga's most confident album, and one of his best albums. And, All Music Guide gave him 5 stars and said it's his "masterpiece" and a "flawless" album so it's 100, not 90.
  13. johndough
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    every song, verse, word is perfect
  14. [Anonymous]
    Sep 11, 2005
    10
    These guys who gave this album lower than a five is stupid. This is one of the best albums in all of rap music..Ever. Nuff said. the best from jigga. Also Kanye West's starting point (besides Roc la Familia) Go cop it
  15. DjH(KouroutaRulez)Hek
    Apr 18, 2006
    10
    It is truly THE MASTERPIECE of Jay-Z with Reasonable Doubt.Each Track is worth listen to,it has something for everyone.without feeling that jay-z is trying to please everyone.diss track,love tracks,club bangers,lyrical bangers...it has everything.it is and stays fochused from the beginning to the end.After so many 6-7 years since his debut he did and made an album equal to Reasonable It is truly THE MASTERPIECE of Jay-Z with Reasonable Doubt.Each Track is worth listen to,it has something for everyone.without feeling that jay-z is trying to please everyone.diss track,love tracks,club bangers,lyrical bangers...it has everything.it is and stays fochused from the beginning to the end.After so many 6-7 years since his debut he did and made an album equal to Reasonable Doubt.Neither you hate him or you like it,this shit is ill and god damn classic..With this album,having perfect beats and rhymes you cannot hate this album,neither you are an underground freek or a crunk juice groupie.hate it or love it,jigga is on top.… Expand
  16. JohnnoH
    May 20, 2007
    10
    Very strong album - one of the best of all-time in the hip-hop genre. I don't give out 10's often, but the way this album flows as well as the beats, lyrics and flow from Jay-Z are outstanding. Hard to pick a favourite track - "Heart of the City" maybe.
  17. RyanT
    Dec 5, 2002
    8
    His best album since Reasonable Doubt. Standout tracks: Takeover, and Girls Girls Girls.
  18. AlbertoC
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    With out a doubt Jay-Z's best work of his career. Nuff said.
  19. MasZ
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    best album
  20. JoeS
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    Overall, I was impressed but know that the Great Jay Z could do better. the lyrics are what I wasnt impressed with on a high level. I mean, How could you go to writing Lyrics for the Man, Dr. Dre, to doing something like the blueprint and not adding up to the expectations of being a legend.
  21. GillC
    Apr 21, 2007
    10
    A Modern Day Masterpiece. Top notch production from start to finish. By far, Jay-Z's best work to date.
  22. GregB
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    The best rap album since Nas' "Illmatic". It's a masterpiece.
  23. CristopherR
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    This is one of only few albums that you can and must listen to from beginning to end. It is a classic in every way possible.
  24. BlindPainter
    Dec 6, 2009
    9
    I must Awesome album of this Year.
  25. DerekC
    Sep 18, 2009
    8
    Great album, but I don't believe this is Jay-Z's greatest. Reasonable Doubt, The Black Album and American Gangster are before Blueprint in my opinion. However, I do rate it an 8 out of 10, so it is a great album!
  26. DannyD
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    A hip-hop classic thanks to Kanye West's genius production!!!
  27. jamie
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Its a shame that this albums overall user rating is at 8.4 because 2 people decided to give it a zero. Even if you didn't like this album, its obviously worth more than a zero. An amazing album, and one of the reasons people continue to put jay-z in their top 5. If your a hip-hop head, you deserve to treat yourself to, in my opinion, the greatest mc to ever hold a mic. Im not a "dick Its a shame that this albums overall user rating is at 8.4 because 2 people decided to give it a zero. Even if you didn't like this album, its obviously worth more than a zero. An amazing album, and one of the reasons people continue to put jay-z in their top 5. If your a hip-hop head, you deserve to treat yourself to, in my opinion, the greatest mc to ever hold a mic. Im not a "dick rider" in any way....but once i heard the Black Album, i went back and listened to this dudes whole discography......Amazing artist, Amazing album, Amazing dude. G.O.A.T!… Expand
  28. JeremyE
    Sep 14, 2009
    8
    Overrated. One of the best produced albums ever, since every beat on this album is amazing. But the lyricism isn't quite there. Still a good album, but by no means worthy of a 10. Pick up The Black Album instead, it's better. Final Verdict: Worth a full listen if you're a Jay fan, but to anyone else, just hear these: Must Hear Songs: The Ruler's Back, Renegade, Breathe Overrated. One of the best produced albums ever, since every beat on this album is amazing. But the lyricism isn't quite there. Still a good album, but by no means worthy of a 10. Pick up The Black Album instead, it's better. Final Verdict: Worth a full listen if you're a Jay fan, but to anyone else, just hear these: Must Hear Songs: The Ruler's Back, Renegade, Breathe Easy (Lyrical Exercise) Also Great: Jigga That N*gga, Heart of the City (Ain't No Love), Song Cry, All I Need… Expand
  29. Eminem
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    One of the few real classic in the genre of hip hop. Came out on 9/11 2001 and still went number one on Billboard. Musically very different and it ushered a new era of soul sampling in hip hop, thanks to the production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, Eminem a more.
  30. Smartine7
    Apr 19, 2012
    10
    An album that flawlessly balances mainstream appeal and a high level of street (underground) credibility. Jay's flow and rhymes are at their respective peaks, and his lyrical content is as diverse as it is real. Upon its release, The Blueprint redefined the modern hip-hop sound and lived up to its title by creating a template for all future emcees to follow. In 2001, Carter created aAn album that flawlessly balances mainstream appeal and a high level of street (underground) credibility. Jay's flow and rhymes are at their respective peaks, and his lyrical content is as diverse as it is real. Upon its release, The Blueprint redefined the modern hip-hop sound and lived up to its title by creating a template for all future emcees to follow. In 2001, Carter created a masterpiece and (finally) an album that was on par with Reasonable Doubt.… Collapse
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2001
13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2001
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. E! Online
    75
    The Bed-Stuy boy musters up enough of his own charisma, charm and wit to build another solid release.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    100
    A fully realized masterpiece.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    70
    It's not radically new - although the Timbaland and the Trackmasters contributions are genuinely exciting - but it's exactly what a lot of people want to hear from a hip-hop album right now.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »