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?

MsJennyb

Jen is a Writer and Content Curator for Baller Alert, who writes under the alias “MsJennyb.” In this role, Jen develops and contributes relevant special-themed content to attract readers. Before joining the Entertainment Industry via Baller Alert, Jen spent one year as a Freelance Writer and two years as a Human Resources assistant in a corporate office. Jen has a degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University with a concentration in Africana Studies.

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