A heck of a comeback for Jay-Z – and a record that definitely stands as the
blueprint promised in the title – not just for Jay-Z's career in years to come, but also for that of Kanye West and Just Blaze – who both contribute key work here on the production tip! The set's a long one, but it's also very focused – not padded out with lots of skits, party tracks, or guest appearances (only one feature on the whole thing – with Eminem) – and instead really bringing back a level of lyrical skill that Jay-Z had been lagging a bit on previous albums. Certainly a great start to a decade of renewed importance – with titles that include "Takeover", "The Ruler's Back", "Izzo (HOVA)", "Girls Girls Girls", "U Don't Know", "Heart Of The
City (Ain't No Love)", "Renegade", "
Blueprint", "Hola Hovito", and "Song Cry".
(Black vinyl pressing with Masterdisk/TD etch. Includes the inserts.)