Jay-Z — Blueprint

A hit-making machine. That's Jigga in a nutshell. He might sample every classic rock or funk tune that's known in P. Diddy fashion, but the difference between Jay-Z (a.k.a. Shawn Carter) and Diddy is one thing: talent. There's a talent in distinguishing which old-school tune has the bass and catchy guitar riff to place firmly in a rapper's rhyming game. The Doors' "Five To One" (with the unforgettable Jim Morrison growl) is sampled throughout "Takeover" and it doesn't sound out of place. "Heart Of The City" and "Never Change" are supposed to be sappier, more introspective songs about Jigga's attempt to break away from the hustler image, but the smartly placed funk and R&B samples ensure it's not overly pussified. Still, there's one too many songs about crying and "tears falling" — let's get back to the battles you're fighting. He may not be on the street anymore, but he's still dealing with all the shit that thugs and hard working dudes are going through. Seriously, does he really need to buy more pairs of Reeboks for his bitches?

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