So The Blueprint 3 has leaked and the feedback that I’ve heard has varied. Some people have told me that it’s mediocre and I’ve heard from others that it’s a strong album.
Naturally, because of my reluctance to take part in leaks I’ve yet to hear it for myself, I’ve already voiced my theory of judging a Jay-Z album by it’s cover. Since the cover is sans Jay-Z, according to my theory the album will be stellar.
But here’s the thing; why is Jay-Z still making records. The guy’s no longer rich, he’s wealthy. He doesn’t need to make music anymore. And The Blueprint 3 isn’t going to do huge number because no one does big numbers anymore. It’s not going to be viewed as a “success” for the year and certainly not given his past sales.
He’s really risking tarnishing his legacy by continuing to churn stuff out. Isn’t being rich and sleeping with Beyonce every night enough for this guy? What more does he want? He pals around with super stars, gets crazy swag and gift bags and makes more interest than I’ll probably make in my life, and he still wants to put out albums?
In fairness, I can’t fault him that much. I mean this is the same guy who claimed that Memphis Bleek would be his successor, so perhaps after that proclamation he shouldn’t be faulted for trying to shore up his legacy.
I sort of feel bad for Jay-Z. He doesn’t want to retire, but the game has changed so much, probably too much for him to still the be the star that he was accustomed to. He’s a guy who’s always bragged about success and this album probably won’t succeed. People either “get” the album or they don’t like it at all, but I haven’t heard anyone say that they’ve loved it.
Of course knowing Jay-Z no matter what he’ll chalk it up as a success. He’s the same guy who wrote off battle with Nas as a win because he learned a valuable lesson from the whole thing. Clearly accepting failure is something that he needs to work on.
I can’t wait to hear it myself. Partially because I’m a fan of Jay-Z and partially because, like Oldboy, I want to experience what everyone else is talking about.
