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The Daily OrangeLife and Times of Jay-Z
Up-coming album "The Blueprint 3" marks Jay-Z's latest album in a 13-year career
By Flash Steinbeiser
Posted: 9/8/09, 1:14 AM EST Section: Decibel
Whether it's Jay-Z, Jigga, J-Hova, H-to-the-Izzo or Mr. Beyonce, he has become one of the most recognizable faces in music today. After 10 top-selling solo albums, establishing his own clothing line, giving fame to artists like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, and now owning parts of the 40/40 Club as well as the New Jersey Nets, Jay-Z is not finished with his rapping career. This week he releases his 11th album, titled "The Blueprint 3." His current single "Run This Town," featuring Rihanna and Kanye West, has already received impressive reviews. In honor of Jay-Z's newest release, The Feature Staff charts his progression as a solo artist.
(1996) "Reasonable Doubt" - Jay-Z's debut album started off a steady flow, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard 200. The album went platinum and brought Jay-Z into the spotlight with a guest appearance by The Notorious B.I.G. 95 decibels
(1997) "In My Lifetime, Vol. 1" - Showing his emotions after the death of good friend The Notorious B.I.G., "In My Lifetime Vol. 1" told the intimate story of Jay-Z's upbringing. 60 decibels
(1998) "Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life" - Sampling the chorus line from "Hard Knock Life," (a song from the play "Annie"), this album clearly made Jay-Z more than just a name in the rap world. 80 decibels
(1999) "Vol. 3: The Life and Times of S. Carter" - Though not quite up to par with "Hard Knock Life," "Vol.3" still produced inescapable hits like "Big Pimpin." The careers of other members of The Roc, like Beanie Siegel, were sparked by their contributions to the album. 75 decibels
(2000) "The Dynasty: Roc La Familia" - Don't let the album name fool you - "The Dynasty" is still a Jay-Z solo album, though it features many members of the Roc Family. Pharrell Williams sings a good hook in the song "Give It To Me." 55 decibels
(2001) "The Blueprint" - Despite being released on Sept. 11, "The Blueprint" proved to be Jay-Z's best CD to this point. The album featured hit after hit, including "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Takeover," a song that highlights Jay-Z's rap battle with Nas. Jigga even slows it down for the track "Song Cry," which seems a bit out of character, but is pulled off. 90 decibels
(1996) "Reasonable Doubt" - Jay-Z's debut album started off a steady flow, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard 200. The album went platinum and brought Jay-Z into the spotlight with a guest appearance by The Notorious B.I.G. 95 decibels
(1997) "In My Lifetime, Vol. 1" - Showing his emotions after the death of good friend The Notorious B.I.G., "In My Lifetime Vol. 1" told the intimate story of Jay-Z's upbringing. 60 decibels
(1998) "Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life" - Sampling the chorus line from "Hard Knock Life," (a song from the play "Annie"), this album clearly made Jay-Z more than just a name in the rap world. 80 decibels
(1999) "Vol. 3: The Life and Times of S. Carter" - Though not quite up to par with "Hard Knock Life," "Vol.3" still produced inescapable hits like "Big Pimpin." The careers of other members of The Roc, like Beanie Siegel, were sparked by their contributions to the album. 75 decibels
(2000) "The Dynasty: Roc La Familia" - Don't let the album name fool you - "The Dynasty" is still a Jay-Z solo album, though it features many members of the Roc Family. Pharrell Williams sings a good hook in the song "Give It To Me." 55 decibels
(2001) "The Blueprint" - Despite being released on Sept. 11, "The Blueprint" proved to be Jay-Z's best CD to this point. The album featured hit after hit, including "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Takeover," a song that highlights Jay-Z's rap battle with Nas. Jigga even slows it down for the track "Song Cry," which seems a bit out of character, but is pulled off. 90 decibels
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