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10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Jay-Z’s ‘The Blueprint’
(A Thread Honoring a Masterpiece)
A Celebration of the Album’s 19th Anniversary
(A Thread Honoring a Masterpiece)
A Celebration of the Album’s 19th Anniversary
1. Jay-Z Wrote all the Lyrics to the Album in just 2 days
Given Jay-Z’s reputation for freestyling most of his lyrics, it shouldn't be a huge shock that he was able to accomplish this feat. However, it's still astonishing considering the lyrical depth he goes into on the album.
Given Jay-Z’s reputation for freestyling most of his lyrics, it shouldn't be a huge shock that he was able to accomplish this feat. However, it's still astonishing considering the lyrical depth he goes into on the album.
2. Jay-Z Started the Trend of Rapping About Designer Jeans.
On the track 'Jigga that N****' Hov mentions “Evisu Jeans”. In 2020, rapping about designer jeans has become pretty common, however Hov was the first to start the trend. His impact on luxury rap is unprecedented.
On the track 'Jigga that N****' Hov mentions “Evisu Jeans”. In 2020, rapping about designer jeans has become pretty common, however Hov was the first to start the trend. His impact on luxury rap is unprecedented.
3. The Album's Production Revived Soul-Sampling in Hip Hop
In 2001 the most popular hip-hop beats were keyboard-driven and featured hardcore drums. On this album Kanye West and Just Blaze utilized vintage soul samples by artists such as Al Green, The Jackson 5 & Bobby Byrd.
In 2001 the most popular hip-hop beats were keyboard-driven and featured hardcore drums. On this album Kanye West and Just Blaze utilized vintage soul samples by artists such as Al Green, The Jackson 5 & Bobby Byrd.
4. It’s 1 of Only 6 Rap albums to be inducted into the U.S Library of Congress.
The Album was selected by The Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Recording Registry. This honor is shared by albums such as "Straight Outta Compton" by NWA & "Raising Hell by Run-DMC
The Album was selected by The Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Recording Registry. This honor is shared by albums such as "Straight Outta Compton" by NWA & "Raising Hell by Run-DMC
5. Michael Jackson has Uncredited Background Vocals on the Album
In a 2009 interview, Jay-Z confirmed that MJ had uncredited vocals on the bonus track ‘Girls, Girls, Girls Part 2’. His voice blends in with the instrumentation but if you listen closely enough you'll hear him!
In a 2009 interview, Jay-Z confirmed that MJ had uncredited vocals on the bonus track ‘Girls, Girls, Girls Part 2’. His voice blends in with the instrumentation but if you listen closely enough you'll hear him!
6. Eminem on 'Renegade' is the Only Feature on the Entire Record.
Eminem’s outstanding feature is viewed as one of the best hip-hop guest performances of all time. If that's not impressive enough, Eminem also produced the haunting beat himself.
Eminem’s outstanding feature is viewed as one of the best hip-hop guest performances of all time. If that's not impressive enough, Eminem also produced the haunting beat himself.
7. 'The Blueprint' Beat all the Odds and Became a Commercial Juggernaut.
Label executives expected the album to flop given that it was released on 9/11. It ended up selling 427k copies in it's first week and went on to become double platinum. This marked Jay-Z's fourth #1 album.
Label executives expected the album to flop given that it was released on 9/11. It ended up selling 427k copies in it's first week and went on to become double platinum. This marked Jay-Z's fourth #1 album.
8. Jay-Z Tried Ending Nas' Career on 'Takeover'
This track saw Hov clown Nas by questioning his street credibility and the strength of his discography. The lyrical disses were so hard-hitting that many people thought it might end Nas' career. On the contrary this fuelled 'Ether'
This track saw Hov clown Nas by questioning his street credibility and the strength of his discography. The lyrical disses were so hard-hitting that many people thought it might end Nas' career. On the contrary this fuelled 'Ether'
9. ‘Takeover’ was the first song that Young Guru ever mixed for Jay-Z
Many fans of Jay-Z are aware that his music would not sound as polished as it does without the help of master engineer Young Guru. They have since collaborated on 'American Gangster', 'The Blueprint 3' & more.
Many fans of Jay-Z are aware that his music would not sound as polished as it does without the help of master engineer Young Guru. They have since collaborated on 'American Gangster', 'The Blueprint 3' & more.
10. Kanye West and Just Blaze would have Beat-Battles During the Recording of the Album
According to Jay-Z the competition between Just Blaze and Kanye West would get pretty intense in the studio. One of their battles led to the creation of the legendary 'U Don't Know' beat.
According to Jay-Z the competition between Just Blaze and Kanye West would get pretty intense in the studio. One of their battles led to the creation of the legendary 'U Don't Know' beat.
Hov’s evolution as a rapper, husband, father, mogul and ambassador has not only been breathtaking, it has been unprecedented in the world of hip-hop.
He is truly an icon
He is truly an icon
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