Collaboration rules in rap mogul's return to form
By The Holland Times Thursday 24 September 2009, 15:09
The Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z
Music
Officially un-retired, Jay-Z has returned with full force in his 11th album, The Blueprint 3. With fresh beats and impeccable production - a nod to Kanye West as executive producer - this album brings back the lyrical prowess of vintage Hova.
Opening strong with the rhythmic "What we talking about" featuring Luke Steele from Australian dance group, Empire of the Sun, there is the immediate sensation of a welcome, familiar voice as Jay-Z gives a rap lashing to his critics and defends his millionaire status - not uncommon territory.
From there, Blueprint only gets better with collaborative efforts including Jay-Z's reported favourite track, "Empire State of Mind." Here, the soaring vocals of Alicia Keys and lyrical imagery of the streets of NYC make the song one of the album's best if not for "Run This Town," featuring Rihanna and Kanye West. With a military style and march-like sound, this is clearly a stand-out track. From here, the second half of the album continues in pretty standard form.
With the exception of a limp "Real as it gets" featuring Young Jeezy, and an overreaching sample of the 80s anthem "Forever Young" as the final track, Blueprint consistently pumps out head bouncing beats, and dominating lyrics. However, consistency here may be a detractor. Despite alliances with an elite team of rappers and talents, something seems to be lacking. Each of the album's tracks seems individually catered toward single-status, taking away from the overall power and rawness usually associated with a Jay-Z album.
Although some may argue the impressive line up of collaborators keeps the album's steam going, loyal Jay-Z fans may be somewhat disappointed to hear Hova himself featured on only 4 of the album's 15 tracks. Regardless, the 40-year-old rap mogul has done what he does best on Blueprint - an album of huge commercial success that lives up to both the musical whims of the masses and the roots of rap.
Available on Warner Music
