"What We Talkin Bout"?...BPIII...Who we talkin' bout?...Jay-Z. Most blogs give you a page long rant, but Imag will try to keep it brief, and very subjective[mostly just facts..not from a fans' POV]...Blueprint 3 (BPIII) is simply put, a dope album. Hov was definitely out to send a "Reminder" that even though "A Star is Born" everyday, he is still "As Real As It Gets", and his star shines brightest in the world that is Hip Hop. Jay will tell you himself it takes an "Empire State of Mind" to remain "So Ambitious" when you've been on top for so long. Whatever doubt, boredom, or lack of motivation that led to his hiatus in 2003 [when Jigga felt he was "Off Dat"], is now completely gone with his 3rd release since the classic 'Black Album'. Now it seems he realizes he has nothing left to prove and he can surpass all the "Hate" by just doing him, and making good music[as opposed to trying to please everybody's expectations ie. 'Kingdome Come']; and now that he's realized that fact, he is trully "Young Forever".
With his highly anticipated 11th studio release [first release under his new banner, ROC NATION], all debuting at #1 on Billboard, IceBerg Slim is now 'crusing in the HOV lane' so to speak because well...he's "Already Home". He's made more money than any hip hop mogul[currently worth over $500M], made more platinum albums than any hip hop artist [11, tying Elvis Presley, and sitting just below a little group known as the Beatles for most all time], started and even ended his fair share of trends ie. "DOA", WIFED the most successful and BEAUTIFUL [and $money stackin'$ at $80M last year alone..smh] female in the game...you gotta ask yourself...what's left to do?...well if you're Jiggaman its "On To The Next One" ['in the race to a Billi'- Jay-Z] business as usual. As of 05/20/09 Shawn Carter has purchased the remainder of his Def Jam contract in order to pursue a $200M deal with entertainment giant Live Nation. With distribution by Atlantic Records, his new company is called Roc Nation, and he has already inked some up and coming heavy hitters including J Cole and new signee Wale [hailing from my little hometown of Washington DC]....but enough about him...back to BPIII.
The production absolutely matches his delivery on the album with three words, fresh, masterful, and memorable [can't quite say classic..yet]. The bulk of the production load went to 'Mr. Blueprint' himself Kanye West [who produced 7 joints including the single "Run This Town", also 'Hate' which is a personal favorite of mine]. Other production credits go to Timbaland [3 insane tracks including "Venus vs. Mars" which is ridiculous, its also features some sexy vocals from Beyonce if you listen closely], The Neptunes[classic "So Ambitious" record feat. Pharell], No ID [worked with Kanye on 4 tracks], Swizz Beatz [delivered that 'street banga' that every artist needs "On to the next one", one of the best tracks on BPIII], The Inkredibles [you probably heard them producing most of Rick (officer) Ross' album, they deliver with Young Jeezy to bring a dope southern feel on "Real as it gets"], and last but not least Al Shux[who provides Jay with a dare I say it.. classic New York anthem that he is always looking for..I expect to hear Alicia Keys' soulful voice singing this hook on commercials and movie trailers for years to come].
In closing, dope flow, dope production, dope album. Best track?...too early to decide[but i'd say Reminder]. Where does it rank with his others?...too early to decide[definitelty top 3]. Jay-Z doesn't disappoint, and as expected [justifiably] claims he is the best in the game. I expect to hear at least a few more albums from S. Dot before he [seriously] decides to hang it up [but hopefully not too soon Jay..Hip Hop still needs your Imagination]. Def go cop[BUY] this one. I know I said less than a page, but c'mon its the BPIII. Til next time...Peace.
.......Oh and I almost forgot.."Thank You".
-Use Your IMAGination
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This album is ridiculous front to back. smh.
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