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The Blueprint Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 305 Ratings

  • Summary: The now-legendary Brooklyn rapper follows 2000's 'The Dynasty Roc la Familia' with this 13-track disc.

Top Track

Song Cry
Most incredible baby Uhh - mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm Yeah, yeah. uhh I can't see 'em comin down my eyes So I gotta make the song cry I can't see 'em comin... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 100
    A fully realized masterpiece.
  2. Uncut
    100
    Almost every tune sounds like a hit. [Dec 2001, p.108]
  3. Trades the chilly, futuristic minimalism of S. Carter for a warmer, more organic sound rooted in the soul and funk of the '60s and '70s
  4. While The Blueprint falls short of his debut's brilliance, it is easily the best Jay Z recording since that release.
  5. 80
    13 tracks of the kind of confident, effortless wordplay that made him a household name in the first place.
  6. The Blueprint is not a perfect album. Some of the material is undoubtedly filler. But this recording makes it clear that hip-hop is supposed to be fun -- and that Jay-Z is having a ball.
  7. But for an MC claiming to represent ''for the seat where Rosa Parks sat,'' one expects a bit more.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 61
  2. Negative: 3 out of 61
  1. 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 ineasily 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 Expand
  2. 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 andSuch 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 Expand
  3. 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 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
  4. Jul 1, 2017
    10
    Arguably JAY's best and one of the genre's greatests albums. An electrifing and diverse track list that was a different sound then mainstreamArguably JAY's best and one of the genre's greatests albums. An electrifing and diverse track list that was a different sound then mainstream hip hop of the time. JAY delivers smooth bars ontop of crisp beats produced by Just Blaze, Timberland and Kanye West. Expand
  5. 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.
  6. Jul 9, 2021
    9
    This is probably Jay-Z’s best album, it’s even better than his breakthrough album, Reasonable Doubt. Jay-Z’s lyrics are captivating and heThis is probably Jay-Z’s best album, it’s even better than his breakthrough album, Reasonable Doubt. Jay-Z’s lyrics are captivating and he delivers some of the best lines. His flow has good rhythm and his instrumentals are at their best. He works with top notch producers like Kanye West on this album. Never Change is a memorable rap ballad, with reflective lyrics and other stand out tracks include the catchy Jigga That N****, Hola Hovito, Izzy, U Don’t Know, Takeover, All I Need, The Ruler’s Back, and Renegade featuring Eminem. Expand
  7. goatman
    Mar 19, 2005
    0
    ew

See all 61 User Reviews

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