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. D_McNorris
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    Clearly his best album of his carrer. So many great tracks over and over again. Classic Album.
  2. 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!!
  3. 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
  4. trevorm
    Mar 13, 2004
    10
    true classic
  5. shawnj
    Apr 10, 2004
    10
    Jay -z's best album, Izzo and company provide a great album of rap/hip hop
  6. johndough
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    every song, verse, word is perfect
  7. [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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. AlbertoC
    Jun 20, 2005
    10
    With out a doubt Jay-Z's best work of his career. Nuff said.
  11. MasZ
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    best album
  12. 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.
  13. BlakeG
    May 24, 2007
    10
    Best album of 01.
  14. GregB
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    The best rap album since Nas' "Illmatic". It's a masterpiece.
  15. 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.
  16. DannyD
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    A hip-hop classic thanks to Kanye West's genius production!!!
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.… Expand
  21. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    Top 10 Albums of all time. Jay really made this album a classic piece. One of these days im gonna pass this album down to my kids and there going to bump this when there 30. Good Job Jay
  22. jagai84
    Nov 3, 2012
    10
    truly a great album with some of the best on it like q tip and legendary producer just blaze made an all time classic! my 2nd favourite jay z album ever!
  23. Sergio2008
    Mar 20, 2013
    10
    Shawn Carter's 6th studio album, "The Blueprint", is the greatest hip hop album of the 21st century. And is a tough competitor for the best in any genre. You get every bit of Jay Z. His confidence, joy, and vulnerability. This album includes great production by newcomers Kanye West & Just Blaze. Every song is either a hit or very strong. One of Hip Hop's essentials.
  24. 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.
  25. SamuelP
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Wow.. This is one of the BEST rap albums of all time. it's up there with Reasonable Doubt, Illmatic, All Eyez on Me. Every single song is a great song. It should have won best rap album in 01
  26. NASJAY101
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Such a great album. Another Jay-Z CLASSIC! A good thing about this album is that you CANT get tired of hearing it. You can listen over and over and it never gets old. That's a good album. Jay-Z is the best
  27. MUSICLOVER1
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    This album is LEGENDARY. Its so good. CLASSIC. This is Jay-Z at his second best (Reasonable Doubt). BEST RAP ALBUM OF THE 2000s. If you haven't heard it give it a try.
  28. 3MiJAYnasBIGPaC
    Jun 5, 2014
    10
    Better than theBetter than the MMLP................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Expand
  29. TourDACarta
    Jun 5, 2014
    10
    this is a really great album. its my favorite. I think everybody on planet Earth should hear this album. Jay Z is a beast on it.

    Lyrics 9.5/10
    production 10/10
    flow 10/10
    overall 10/10

    The Roc!!!!!!
  30. YOUNGSTAB
    Jun 5, 2014
    10
    why does this album only have an 8.9 for user score. This is THE BEST album that is on Metacritic.

    The Rulers Back 10/10 - GREAT intro Takeover 10/10 - A trillion times better than Ether Izzo 10/10 - classic Girls, Girls, Girls 10/10 - classic. (very underrated) Jigga That Ni**a 10/10 - great lyrics, great song U Don't Know 10/10 - Possibly the best song on the album Hola' Hovito    why does this album only have an 8.9 for user score. This is THE BEST album that is on Metacritic.

    The Rulers Back 10/10 - GREAT intro
    Takeover 10/10 - A trillion times better than Ether
    Izzo 10/10 - classic
    Girls, Girls, Girls 10/10 - classic. (very underrated)
    Jigga That Ni**a 10/10 - great lyrics, great song
    U Don't Know 10/10 - Possibly the best song on the album
    Hola' Hovito 9.5/10 - cool song, VERY underrated
    Heart of the City 10/10 - Gives U Don't Know a run for its money. classic
    Never Change 10/10 - great song, great production, great lyrics
    Song Cry 10/10 - really good song. Jay-Z shows his softer side
    All I Need 10/10 - (i love this song). Pays homage to 2Pacs Me and my Girlfriend (not to be confused with 03 Bonnie & Clyde)
    Renegade 10/10 - Great feature by Eminem (Jay-Z did not get beat by the way). classic
    Blueprint 9.5/10 - great outro. deep song.

    Bonus Tracks
    Lyrical Exercise 10/10 - Great Lyrics!
    Girls, Girls, Girls, Pt. 2 8.5/10 - not as good as the first but still good.

    overall 10/10    … Expand
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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 »