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

[Marcus Oliver]

I was extremely bothered and uphauled by your distasteful choice of wording, by the way you write I would not think you like any Jay-z material. You wrote as if you were forced to listen to it just to create a review.

I think your opinions about the songs would sound more believable if you wrote from a neutral standpoint. Your sarcasm sucked, and you didn't seem to pay enough attention to the songs to include some type of quotables. You also attempted to rip Jay apart by implying Jay didn't have 10 number albums when technically he did because Blueprint 2 was a Double CD, and sold at a slightly higher price then single discs albums. That's all solo material...THen Unfinished Business and Collision Course makes a total of 12. So you have a factual inaccuracy.
I have Blueprint 3, and I didn't like none of the singles or tracks leaked until they were sequenced with the rest of the album. Which I would rate this album a 4 out 0f 5, only cause I thought he kind of pushed the envelope too much at times but overall the album Hott.

[KingAJ]

The reason the guy hates on the album is because he's a Hater!!! Lackluster effort...establishing his own label...what a schmuck!!! Forever Young is a great song...Weiss is just hating cuz he's jealous of Jiggaman!!!

[Robbie]

who gave this guy permission to write this?? ...moron has no clue ....people who don't listen to hip hop shouldn't be making reviews.

[mojgani]

folks who want to scream hater just cuz mr weiss holds a different opinion then they may want to do research into the writer before calling him a "non hip hop head."
while one may not agree with everything he says, reading his work here trhough the l.a. times or on his blogsite passionweiss, one can tell he has a deep knowledge and love for the music he consistently writes about, hip hop included.
and since when are reviews supposed to be written only by fans (even though that obviously aint the case here, as jeff concluded the review with "..nothing can alter Jay-Z's place as one of the greatest rappers of all time)? myself i'd prefer an unbiased writeup from someone who's just gonna blindly take whatever an artist dishes out.

[Willie]

Please, the notion that jz is one of the greatest rappers of all time is ridiculous.
That statement there, is a slap in the face to many people who's influence in
hip hop, which not only relates to music, has been far greater. Get your head
out of the sand and dig deeper, do better, more proficient research. jz is nothing
more than a commercial artist, performing popular music to a mass audience that is under-educated and manipulated.

[Ryan]

Guy who wrote this sounds a bit upset that he's not living the good life....
I dont even get your review, u obviously dont listen to Jay. This is a good album, not great but good. But the way Jeff Weiss wrote it you would of thought it was the worst thing on the planet.

If this is bad music, I question what hip hop you listen to of today Jeff

[Willie]

Yeah, that sounds great, let a "hip hop head" write the article. Another ridiculous notion by a group of ridiculous, narcissists. These so-called "heads"
have no clue regarding music, let alone the knowledge to rightfully analyze music.

[LA Times lied]

He has 10 Number one albums because it includes COLLISION COURSE with Linkin Park and UNFINISHED BUSINESS with R Kelly. Get your facts right LA TIMES...with all your money you could at least pay your reporters to do some research. Liars.

[ChiTown00]

This is the worst blog review I have read. L.A Times should of been better off having J.A Adande or Bill Plashche write this review haha

[Lefty Banks]

I had no idea this many Jay-Z Stans read the LA Times. Who said newspapers are dead with the younger generation?

Also: anyone who can defend "Young Forever" with a straight face should never be allowed to talk about music.

[Cory]

Worst review I have ever read. It's obvious from reading the content that the author had made his mind up to give a negative review before even listening to the material.

This album is a perfect "Blueprint" for how a rap artist can mature not only mentally and professionally, but as an artist as well. The author should go back and listen again.

[Chyna]

Respectfully, I've listened to the album and you are very, very, worng.

[Matt]

Wow I would expect some sort of intelligent review from a person who knew what he was talking about, but instead the review I just read was the exact opposite. Seems to me you skimmed through the tracks, while listening to it in the background watching TV. BPIII is an album many people are judging too quickly, take your time to listen to it entirely and you will grow more onto the music, instead it seems like you never bothered to listen to it, lyrically. Seemed to me you were more of the immature person who listens to 5 seconds of the track and if it's not the beat your looking for it's not good enough. Go back re-listen to it, and let it sink in a little, and than we can have a educated review, til than this review is ignorance at it's best. Sorry.

[PlanetWest.blogspot.com]

"Hate"(ft.Kanye West) - YOU are why they made thig song.You.Yes You POP & HISS. What are you HATING so hard for? Do you have a bone to pick with Hov? And if Jay AND Kanye think the song is good enough to go on the album, then guess what?ITS GOOD ENOUGH! They are the top 1 and 2 rappers alive. Anyone you can name that you think is better (and we'd hate to see what you think) can be argued and proven that they are not. So what would Hip-Hop be without Jay-Z and Kanye West right now? Exactly. It would be the NBA without Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain never existing. And I don't understand why I even waste my time with someone with such a low Hip-Hop IQ such as you. But please do continue to hate on Jay and Ye if it keeps the seat at your job warm from YOUR butt. You're just making them money because they make monster tracks such as this. BTW, I might post a track of me rapping on the blog(PlanetWest.blogspot.com)tell me how much you hate it so maybe I can get rich too. Later HATER!

[Rhew]

Jeff Weiss...oh you silly little clown :P This is the most shine you will ever have, enjoy SIR, hahah. (Listening to the album as I type...just enjoy the music fellas)

[Donjon]

This piece is so derogatory, biased and inflammatory I stopped reading it after "Run This Town".

[Donjon]

WAIT WAIT !! HAHA !! THE ONLY TRACK HE LIKES IS THE GOD-AWFUL, CACOPHONY THAT IS THE SWIZZ BEATS TRACK "ONTO THE NEXT ONE". SAYS IT ALL. THIS GUY GOT HIT HARD ON THE HEAD AS A CHILD.

[David Banner]

"Hate sounds like the result of staying up all night in the studio mixing various liquors and then letting the tape recorder roll."

I could have said the same thing about this article, and judging by the fact it was posted at 06:33 a.m. ... I doubt you even had the benefit of waking up to realise it was garbage.

[Tony Salimi]

I was wrong.
I've heard 2 songs off the album, now. "Off that" and "Young Forever". They weren't all that bad. "Off that"'s actually cool, with a nice message. One listen might have caught the reviewer on a bad day. Or maybe it's just not for him.
Still it was kind of a harsh review I thought, especially on those songs. As long as you're being honest, homie, it's all good.

Now, I'm off to listen to the rest. Peace.

[Clark J.]

I too, am a Black man who is a HUGE Jay-Z fan (don;t ask how much Ive spent on tickets) but this review is spot-on...the imagery in the words is beautiful...thank you for NOT doing a fluffy USA Today type review. You have a new fan

[Empress]

I can not express how sick and tired I am of reading commentary on hip hop albums by individuals who have no idea or appreciation for the culture itself. Was the position for movie critic unavailable? You obviously are not a hip hop fan, Jeff Weiss; as your commentary bears not truth or relevance at all. Jay Z is definately the "Frank Sinatra" to his generation and genre. However, that is where the similarity stops. Frankly, he has no need or desire to be Frank Sinatra by your standards. Admittedly so, this album is a departure from his past efforts; however it will not fail his fans. Every artist has the right to exercise expanding their sound; and Jay Z is not an exception. He will be long revered for his contributions to hip hop music and culture. Thankfully you nor anyone wlse for that matter can take that away from him (period). See you at the Garden!

[Char Char]

This is one dumb ignorant blog from somebody that wants to play it safe in his/her dislike of a past, current, and future rap pioneer. You don't even give the beats credit. 2 wrongs don't make it right.

[Vince]

I have the album and your an idiot.. Forever Young is a hot song and Jay z is just switching up the game.. Empire State of Mind.. amazing song and Ambitious is probably the best track on the album.. did you hear the beat? I should have your dumbass job cus you suck at it.

[Butta]

I heard this and it's awful. Jay-Z is soooo over!! Now, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 album is killer! That's an album worth getting.

[Skoch]

I can handle the author's points on most of the songs, not that I agree with them , but I can see where he are coming from. What I cannot handle however, is the author call "On To The Next One" one of the better tracks. The beat is a joke and irritated my ears beyond belief. Transfer Weiss' fascination with that song and give it to "Empire State of Mind" and then you'll be heading in the right direction.