The Blueprint 3
by
The Blueprint 3 Image
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 215 Ratings

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  • Summary: After seven years, the final album of his Blueprint series is finally released.

Top Track

Empire State Of Mind
Yeah Yeah, I'm up at Brooklyn Now I'm down in Tribeca Right next to DeNiro But I'll be hood forever I'm the new Sinatra And since I made it here I... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Billboard.com
    89
    The long-awaited Blueprint 3 doesn't disappoint. In fact, the album may just be the blueprint for hip-hop music to come.
  2. The A.V. Club
    83
    It’s Jay-Z’s world, but on The Blueprint 3 he’s considerate enough to let listeners perambulate about for a most enjoyable visit.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Despite bringing in all these names to make it an event album, The Blueprint 3 delivers because of hefty beats and quality rapsmanship, nothing else.
  4. Rolling Stone
    60
    By all indications, he'll continue to make good but not great music, replicating the form of his finest records minus the electric charge.
  5. PopMatters
    50
    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.
  6. The Guardian
    50
    Just as The Blueprint 3 seems to have pulled it off, it peters out in a mass of indistinct tracks.
  7. No Ripcord
    40
    The real inexcusable thing about The Blueprint 3 is how boring and sterile it all sounds.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 57
  3. Negative: 8 out of 57
  1. mikemy
    Mar 21, 2020
    10
    This 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 aThis 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.… Expand
  2. OwenB
    Sep 17, 2009
    10
    Amazing album that i can play straight through. Some tracks are a bit soft but the overall sound of the album is something new and Amazing album that i can play straight through. Some tracks are a bit soft but the overall sound of the album is something new and refreshing. Now a days most hip-hop sound the same and just don't stand out. This is like my 4th favorite Jay album behind The Blueprint, Reasonable Doubt, and The Black Album. Its tied with American Gangster.… Expand
  4. BrettC
    Sep 11, 2009
    9
    Loved nearly every track. A few I could do without.
  5. dfjaljfdal
    Mar 15, 2012
    8
    His 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"His 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.… Expand
  6. YoMan
    Sep 10, 2009
    7
    Decent album but nothing really special
  7. DerekC
    Sep 18, 2009
    6
    Jay-Z tries to too hard to be mainstream in this album. Very disappointing to following up a classic like American Gangster. Hope he goes Jay-Z tries to too hard to be mainstream in this album. Very disappointing to following up a classic like American Gangster. Hope he goes back to his classic joints next time around.… Expand
  8. chrisR
    Sep 23, 2009
    0
    Look at his previous two albums. The first was a lame "return" from retirement; his second was an overwrought collection of gangster castoffs Look at his previous two albums. The first was a lame "return" from retirement; his second was an overwrought collection of gangster castoffs that only sounded lively because they were about something else. Jay-Z his completely mined his life story and squeezed every interesting nugget out of it. All that is left now is a millionaire talking about how rich he is as a way to make more money. If Scrooge McDuck were real, he would listen to The Blueprint 3 while doing laps in his pool of gold coins. Because that is the only demographic who would give a shit about the piss-poor prose Hov offers on this record. Despite what he claims on What We Talkin' Bout, Jay isn't rapping about life or drugs. He's rapping about himself, and how little he has left to inspire him.… Expand

See all 57 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2009
49
#49 Most Shared Album of 2009

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