The Blueprint

JAY-Z – Hip-Hop Champ Released His Seminal 6th Album ‘THE BLUEPRINT’ 25 Years Ago

Posted on by JL

Significant longplayers from yesteryear

12 September 2026

Hip-hop champ, producer, entrepreneur and Beyoncé‘s husband
JAY-Z released his widely applauded 6th album, titled THE BLUEPRINT
on 11 September 2001, 25 years ago.

#1 in the US, (only) #30 in the UK

At the time of the album’s recording, Jay-Z was awaiting two criminal trials, one for gun possession and another for assault, and had become one of hip-hop’s most dissed artists, receiving insults from rappers such as Nas, Prodigy, and Jadakiss.

The Blueprint was universally acclaimed by music critics, particularly for Jay-Z‘s
performance and the album’s soul-based soundscape. It is widely regarded as
one of the greatest albums in the hip-hop genre.

Its impact is evident in the way it influenced a generation of artists, such as Kendrick
Lamar and J. Cole, shaping the sound and direction of hip-hop in the years that followed.

Entertainment Weekly said: “One of the greatest
poets ever to pick up a mic released his magnum opus.”

Singles.

– GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS –

– JIGGA WHAT, JIGGA WHO –

– SONG CRY –

ALBUM


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Rap King JAY-Z Released His Champion Album ‘THE BLUEPRINT’ 20 Years Ago

Posted on by JL

Back in time

11 September 2021

Artist: JAY-Z
Who: Rrapper/producer Shawn Corey Carter
Active: Since 1988 / 13 studio albums so far

Album: THE BLUEPRINT – 6th LP
Released: 11 September 2001 – 20 years ago
Score: #1 in the US, (only) #30 in the UK

AllMusic/Jason Birchmeier: “At this point in time, nobody in New York could match Jay-Z rhyme for rhyme and nobody in New York had fresher beats — and many would argue that Jigga’s reign was not just confined to New York but was, in fact, national. Yes, Jay-Z had risen to the top of the rap game in the late ’90s and solidified his position with gigantic hits like “Big Pimpin” and “I Just Wanna Love You (Give It 2 Me).” Furthermore, The Blueprint’s leadoff single, “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” dominated urban radio numerous weeks before the album hit the streets, generating so much demand that Def Jam had to push up the album’s street date because it was being so heavily bootlegged… Uneven albums like Hard Knock Life were the crossover attempts, and now that Jay-Z is “runnin’ this rap sh*t,” a fully realized masterpiece like The Blueprint is the glorious result.” Full review here. Score: 5/5.

Turn Up The Volume: Jay-Z loves Girls Girls Girls. I love Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce.

Singles/clips: Girls Girls Girls / Jigga What, Jigga Who / Song Cry

– GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS –

– JIGGA WHAT, JIGGA WHO –

– SONG CRY –


Full album…

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JAY-Z: All Albums