First listen: Jay-Z's 'Blueprint 3'

For those who have an intravenous Internet hookup, Jay-Z's long-delayed, much-anticipated "Blueprint 3" leaked sometime in the wee hours of yesterday morning and debuts today on Rhapsody's and MTV's websites. We listened to the entirety of Sean Carter's 11th album in one fell swoop -- not even taking a break to sip overpriced Champagne, smoke overpriced cigars or take our Maybach out for a leisurely spin. That's either dedication or... a paying assignment from our editor.

"What We Talkin' About" (ft. Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun)

Jay-Z has enlisted Luke Steele of Australian hairspray techno auteurs Empire of the Sun to sing the hook. For those doing the math at home, that means that the man behind this album has more face-time on a Jay-Z album than longtime collaborators DJ Premier and State Property.

In the course of the cut, Jay-Z claims, "I'm not talking about profit; I'm talking about pain." Within 30 seconds, he's bragging about being bff's with Barack Obama. Apparently, Jay-Z feels the pain of the potential loss of the public option more than we will ever know. Hova also declares "I'm not talking about [rivals] Jimmy [Jones], Game or Dame [Dash]," thus robbing him of any semblance of conflict that might make his music that much more interesting.

"Thank You"

Rather than use the liner notes, Jay-Z decides to write a song thanking the fans for supporting him. He mentions that he has 10 No. 1 albums -- a factual inaccuracy. He has 10 official solo albums released prior to this one, and not all reached No. 1. You'd think that with all of his money, he could at least pay sidekick Memphis Bleek to fact-check for him. He also mentions his predilection for wearing really nice suits and going to the opera.

"D.O.A."

The long-ago leaked first single proves that no matter how cranky and cantankerous Jay-Z sounds, a Janko Nilovic sample can salve all wounds. Moreover, whether you agree or not with his traditionalist stance, Jay at least has a coherent point here. 

"Run this Town" (ft. Rihanna & Kanye West)

The second single currently earning heavy urban radio play. You've probably heard it. If not, let me give you a hint about who runs this town -- it rhymes with May-B.   

"Empire State of Mind" (ft. Alicia Keys)

Essentially, a list of New York City streets with the titular inspiration seemingly swiped from Nas'  "New York State of Mind." For the 723rd time, Jay-Z compares himself to Frank Sinatra, an analogue that's becoming ill-fitting. There's something timeless about Sinatra's catalog and his choice of collaborators. Something tells me that Mr. Hudson, featured on the last track of "Blueprint 3," is no Antonio Carlos Jobim. Even Alicia Keys can't save this track from foundering.

"Real as it Gets" (ft. Young Jeezy)

This feels like a shameless shill to get Southern rap fans to buy the album, lured by the promise of a Young Jeezy cameo. When used properly, Jeezy's gravelly timbre can produce earthshaking force; but on "Real," the result is both rappers abandoning their gritty street raps for self-worshiping ennui. It's hard to blame them; it's tough to stay hungry when you have a personal chef.

"On to the Next One" (ft. Swizz Beatz)

The  first track yet that doesn't make me want to skip onto the next one. Swizz Beatz is clearly channeling "A Milli," and while he doesn't get the exact same results, he clearly creates one of the album's standout tracks, sounding simultaneously au courant and catchy. Jay-Z continues his recurring obsession with being artistically progressive and moving forward.

"Off That" (ft. Drake)

Timbaland's beat sounds like one of the better castoffs from the last Justin Timberlake album, and Drake's hook is cool and self-assured. But there's something here that reads as stasis: Timbaland continues to envision the future as silver suits and astronaut ice cream, while Jay sounds like he would probably try to lecture the “Say Hey” kid for wearing tight pants.

"A Star is Born" (ft. J. Cole)

Featuring a guest appearance from J. Cole, the fledgling artist whom Jay-Z has signed to Roc Nation. Cole acquits himself fine with a nimble resonant verse about coming from poverty, though his performance lacks the appeal of past Jay proteges Beanie Sigel, Kanye West or Memphis Bleek.

"Venus vs. Mars"

A naked play to entice female listeners, with Timbaland delivering a monstrous beat. Unfortunately, Jay utilizes the lurid leering tone of the rich guy at the bar promising helicopter rides to any nubile female who will look in his direction. In 10 years, "Venus vs. Mars," will go down in history as the first rap song ever inspired by a self-help romance guide intended to illuminate gender differences. I can't wait until Drake releases his prog-rap opus, "He's Just Not That Into You."

"Already Home" (ft. Kid Cudi)

The most organic and hence best song on the album. Kanye fulfills his symphonic "Late Registration"-era aspirations and Jay fills it with regnant "Blueprint" majesty. The decision to pair up with Kid Cudi and Kanye West finally yields some dividends for Jay's experimentation. Granted, it's not exactly the London Muddy Waters Sessions, but it works. Kid Cudi's stoned insularity proves a nice foil to Jay's swagger and the song sounds fun and spontaneous.  

"Hate" (ft. Kanye West)

The logical continuation of the "Graduation" dud "Drunk and Hot Girls," "Hate" sounds like the result of staying up all night in the studio mixing various liquors and then letting the tape recorder roll. You're in that deluded state where you think that everything you record is genius and filled with revelations. Then you wake up the next morning to realize that except for three seconds, everything you made was garbage. Except that never happened, and Jay and Kanye decided to put it on the album. 

"Reminder"

Where Jay-Z reminds us that he's better than you and me. Presumably, this is supposed to even out the hospitality of "Thank You." 

"So Ambitious" (ft. Pharrell)

Apparently, all ambition means these days is making songs that both Pharrell and Jay would've scoffed at during their "Roc La Familia"-era salad days.

"Young Forever" (ft. Mr. Hudson)

Sampling "Forever Young" on the the final track is one of the worst decisions of Jay-Z's legendary career and confirms everyone's deepest fears about the album: that it's a Hail Mary attempt by a veteran artist to stay relevant. There's maturing gracefully and then there's this -- a maudlin cut that sounds like bar mitzvah montage rap. After hearing this, cleanse with "Brooklyn's Finest" on repeat. 

Verdict: 

Regardless of this lackluster effort, nothing can alter Jay-Z's place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. That said, despite several strong moments, "Blueprint 3" documents an artist who refuses to wallow in the past, but lacks a (ahem) blueprint for the future. As with all Jay-Z albums, it tries to be all things to all people, and occasionally succeeds, but more often than not, it offers a tepid futurism. If Jay-Z is rap's Rolling Stones, this is his "Dirty Work," even if he maintains that he doesn't like his colors too bright. 

--Jeff Weiss

Photo by Jason Kempin / Getty Images

  

Comments

[kevin]

I have to say this is the most stuppidest blog i ever read you got to be kidding me the BP3 is going to be a classic.i just think your a jay z hater but it okay tho were off you

[thcain85@hotmail.com]

I don't think money has anything to do with Jay-Z's capability or willingness to "fact-check." Now you may not have given a factual inaccuracy but you did a great job of twisting some words around...he never said he had 10 number 1 solo albums. In actuality, he has 10 number 1 albums, 2 of which include compilations albums with R. Kelly. I don't mean to bring any negative comments but I just felt like it was too big of a feat to be disrespected like that.

...and you write for the Los Angeles Times?

[Jere]

Damn.

Well, we were all getting amped for Cuban Linx II, anyway.

[Anthony P. Stiglitz]

I can just say like u said,you listened to the record in a haste so you could write something.I don't know if that's your way of doing it.But I think one needs time to digest before coming up with conclusions.I believe you are not part of the guys who just don't like Jay.Check me out:http:http://kingofhiphop.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-conspiracy-to-discredit

[BlackFriday]

@Jeff Weiss:
You're an idiot. GTFOH! Who enlisted non hip hop heads to review hip hop albums? Album is fire point blank period...

[GATO]

HAter, what you are. just finished the album, One time, now i'm on my second it's mature Jay-Z. your a Kid, thats talks in the yard with out steppin in the yard. Every Art critic has not been a painter for a living, but most have tried. You are an artless critic, simply critical. the albums is niceness. in fact one of the few that more than half could be listened to by youth. Did you notice he uttered few curse words. Next time listen to the album with out so many expectations you might here the music next time. peace

[Tony Gatto]

Leaked yesterday morning? Many of these songs have been out there for months.

[James H.]

Mr. Weiss, you're a hater. It's obvious you are not a Jay Z fan. Since you are not a fan, why would you accept the assignment of reviewing a Jay Z album? Jay Z is a Black man from the projects who has reached stratospheric success and has the unenviable task of trying to remain down to Earth and true to his street origins. This the ongoing internal battle of nearly all successful African American men. Loving the 'hood you're fighting to escape. Something you know absolutely nothing about. THAT is what you are hearing in his music. That is the part of Hip Hop music you should just accept you are not "au courant" and write your opinion on the parts you do know.

[Christopher Brian]

Wow... this is really a lackluster review.

And he does have 10 number one albums. 8 solo(in a row) and one with R. Kelly and another with Linkin Park. I actually found that information searching the archives of guess what? The LA Times. Sheesh.

[Cutta]

Is it me or does the guy who wrote this sound a little bitter? Couldn't get backstage hmmmm? Want a soda? hmmmmmmm

[Johnny Krush]

Black Friday has a point: might be better for a hip-hop head or at least a slightly more knowledgeable reviewer take a stab at reviewing Jigga's joint in the interest of having a slightly more balanced review.

Hova has no actual beef with Jimmy, Game or Dash, which is why he clarified it; he didn't want to get things twisted. "Semblance of conflict that might make his music that much more interesting"? Sounds like the kinda BS that the media drummed up in the 90s that led to the east/west feuds. If you listen carefully to "Reminder" Hov takes a shot at Joe Budden in retaliation for JB's mixtape diss on Mood Muzik 3.

I'll take Jigga's Stones over Souljaboy's Glass Tiger any day, bruh.

[Phil]

Well, at least it's better than that "Kingdom Come." But then again, that's not saying much.

[Jon]

Hey who ever wrote this doesn't know what his talking about. Blueprint 3 is going to be another classic and I think it tied up to the pass blueprints!

[BFSNY]

I'm surprised..not by this album (Blueprint 3 is So Clean), however that Jeff Weiss is possibly employed by the Los Angeles Times - I hope he's only blogging!

I'm coming for your job Weiss!

[M. Scott]

I tried to listen to it and the phrase "dumbing down of America" kept replaying in my head. It's like a throw away plastic bag.

[Manuel]

Ya'll need to read his passion of the weiss blog before you go talking this nonsense. Jeff Weiss knows his hip hop. And you don't have to be a Jay Z super fan to review his record.

[Tony Salimi]

When I started reading this review, I thought "This guy's a hater!" but as I continued reading I remembered that the whole point of reading this is to get a clearer idea whether this is a Jay-Z album that gets me addicted like his first 3 albums, like the Black Album, and like American Gangster, or whether it's closer to the five albums of which I say "I like a couple tracks".

I don't think the writer of this article is someone who says NO to anything with Jay-Z's name on it, but neither does he say YES to anything with Jay-Z's name on it.
I get the feeling that the author appreciates Jay-Z when he's at his strongest, and his criticisms of this album were funny in a way that I connected with like when he said one of the songs "sounds like the result of staying up all night in the studio mixing various liquors and then letting the tape recorder roll. You're in that deluded state where you think that everything you record is genius...Then you wake up the next morning to realize that except for three seconds, everything you made was garbage."
We all know what that's about! That's when a song isn't a favorite.

The author I don't think is a hater, he's just saying this album isn't a favorite. He's giving warning to those of us who watch our budgets, but mainly he wants to be surprised and proud when a Jay-Z album comes out, and not shaking his head and saying "Jay-Z really has a big head."

Thanks for the review, and for the line: "Timbaland continues to envision the future as silver suits and astronaut ice cream." Ha ha!
But mostly your article reminds me that Jigga, like all artists, doesn't deserve a free ride just because of his past glory. We actually have to be able to like the songs.

Thanks, and now I'm gonna go put on some classic Jay-Z, of which there's a lot to choose from. Peace.

[LadyJay]

Wow! The problem I have with this review is your opinion of the album gave me more of an idea of how little you know about hip-hop than it did about the album itself. You made a few statements that left me wondering what the hell you were talking about. Example: JW wrote about the song “Hate”: “ sounds like the result of staying up all night in the studio mixing various liquors and then letting the tape recorder roll. You're in that deluded state where you think that everything you record is genius and filled with revelations. Then you wake up the next morning to realize that except for three seconds, everything you made was garbage. Except that never happened, and Jay and Kanye decided to put it on the album.” Are you serious? Is this really what came to your mind when imagining Kanye and Jay-Z, two great artist, working together on this song? If so that says a lot about your opinion of hip-hop artist.
Writing a blog or review on an album entails more than just listening to the album once and writing the first thing that comes to your mind, especially when you’re writing about a respected veteran artist like Jay-Z. It seems you spent more time slamming his character than actually giving the reader an idea of how you felt about the music.

I’ve read many of your other music reviews and your reviews on hip-hop albums and concerts always fall short, compared to the other reviews you’ve written.

[Southern Boy]

I think some one should tell the person who wrote this to go back and fact check.

Jay Z does has 10 number 1 rap albums in a row.

#23 Reasonable doubt was the highest rap album on Billboard(the week it came out was a monster one)

Kiss,AFI and a lot of others in the non hip hop category.

and #3 in My lifetime was only behind Shania Twain and Spice girls, neither of which is rap or R&B. The rest his albums where all number one on billboard.

Oh Yea, The BP3 is Great to me, IDK what this idiot is talking about

[adetheking]

Gotta agree with the writer on this one. I got the alb yesterday and it dispointed me. Only 3 songs I like. That being said

ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX PART II !!!

ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX PART II !!!

ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX PART II !!!

This album promises to blow BP3 out of the water artistically. Latimes, please review this album and... Do not front on its classic status please...

[Bill Bixby]

Although we have differing opinions regarding the album (which is something I can respect), can you please ease off on pushing the punchlines? It comes off half-assed pretentious and sub-sophomoric.

Thanks, guy who works at the LA Times. *rolls eyes*

[tek-sport]

Did anyone read the article? Jeff Weiss is not disputing that Jay-Z is one of the greatest rappers of all time. Is it possible to put out an bad album and still be one of the greats? Of course... In the article he likens him to the Rolling Stones!

... and even funnier is that people, such as jon below, have not even listened to the album yet but clearly have an opinion that it is good. Perhaps these are people that just conform to the masses and cannot think for themselves.

[HOV]

Insane album. finished!

[ethan]

Wow jeff weiss is an idiot. First off Jay is correct when he says he has 10 #1 albums because he's counting collaboration albums (R Kelly, Linkin Park) so this idiot Weiss is the one who needs to check his facts. He completely missed the lyrical genius in What We Talkin About and Venus vs Mars. The only analysis I agree with is of Already Home and Hate. This comes off as a bitter and purposefully negative review

[Joseph D.]

The Jay-Z apologists commentating here are hilarious. Like Jay-Z can do no wrong.

And how are people calling Jeff a hater after writing that Jay-Z is one greatest rappers of all time? If that’s hating, how much praise does he have to give if he actually likes somebody?

I want Blueprint 3 to be fire, but I won’t be surprised if it ain’t. Time to fire up the torrents and find out for myself.