Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Jay-Z Released “The Blueprint” 17 Years ago

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On September 11, 2001, 17 years ago today, Jay-Z released his sixth studio album, “The Blueprint” on Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. 

Prior to the album’s release, Jay-Z was awaiting two criminal trials, as he became one of the biggest targets for diss tracks. However, in response, Jay released the controversial Kanye West-produced “Takeover, which aimed at Nas and #Prodigy. 

West also produced three other tracks on the album, including “Izzo (H.O.V.A),” all of which helped catapult his career as a major producer. The project featured production by Just Blaze, Bink, Timbaland, and Eminem, who was also featured on the album. 

Upon its release, Vibe deemed “The Blueprint” Jay-Z’s best, as well as album of the year, as The Source hailed it as a classic. In fact, many have labeled the album as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

With singles such as “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Jigga That Nigga,” the album went 2x Platinum. 

What is your favorite song from this album?