The Monroe Street Journal

Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Opinions

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Jay-Z is prime evidence that legends never die. With his new album "The Blueprint 3," Jay has secured his place in history, topping the great Elvis Presley with 11 number one albums. Already having made serious name for himself with albums such as "Reasonable Doubt", "In my Lifetime", and "Hard Knock Life" Jay-Z titled his 6th album "The Blueprint" because he claimed he held the blueprint to a hit record. Releasing his 11th album under the same title is a statement on Jay-Z's behalf. He still thinks he's got it. and from all the self-love and cockiness on his album it won't take long to notice. With the history of a legend to lean on, Jay-Z has enough fans and hype surrounding anything he releases that it's almost guaranteed to be a #1 hit or at least a top seller. The problem with this is that most people take what's thrown at them. If the radio stations and MTV are playing Jay-Z's records then he must be the "best of all time" and his record must be an "instant classic".

I disagree. This new album is certainly not too shabby but it's not Jay-Z's flows that give the record its glammer. In fact, it seems that Jay-Z has passed over his "blueprint" to his producers, as they are the real stars of this record. Jay-Z got the best in the business (Timbaland, No I.D., Swizz Beats, and most notably Kanye West) to produce his newest album and it shows. As far as beats go, every track is top of the line. But the moments where Jay's raps match the caliber of the beats are fewer than the moments that don't. In fact, Kanye shows up Jay-Z on both songs he's featured on. Even J. Cole, with the hunger of an up and comer, gives him a run for his money. On tracks like "What we Talkin' Bout", "Thank You" , and "Reminder" he comes off like he's trying too hard to bring a presence to the music. "Venus vs. Mars" is a solid Timbaland beat but the content of the lyrics lack any substance whatsoever. "Real as it gets" and "Reminder" are terrible run of the mill rap songs that Jay never would have put out in his golden years. Overall, Jay's raps clearly lack the fire and natural flare they had when he was younger.

The record does have its strong points though. "Death of Auto-Tune" is a statement track, talking down most of the popular rap we hear nowadays. The beat is exceptionally creative combining the dirty, crunch of an electric guitar and the airy sounds of an old horn to make a dissonant, in-your-face beat that Jay-Z matches perfectly with his lyrics. "Empire State" is another highlight of the album. The grand piano and Alica Keys's belting voice give it a timeless feel that reminds one of the old jazz singers and male/female duets of New York while still keeping a very modern NYC flavor. It's these points on the album that give it its real value. None of these songs merit the title of "classic" and in less than a few years time this album will be erased from our memories.

Jay closes with the song "Forever Young" a play on words about living in the moment and how he will forever be "Young" as he originally started calling himself in the 90s. Unfortunately Jay-Z, it seems that even Young and his blueprint can't stay young forever. If you ask me, he should quit while he's ahead and leave his legendary status untarnished. He might not stay young forever, but at least he will never die.

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