Who else is enjoying Jay-Z Blueprint 3!
 

Still the best in the game no doubt.

I like how he evolved more with this one, more in the direction of Kingdom Come.

Thoughts folks?

I don't mean this to sound flip and I'm not trying to start an argument but what exactly is it about Jay-Z that makes people say things like he's "the best in the game no doubt"? I've listened to two of his albums in their entirety and of course have heard a bunch of his singles and he just seems very middle-of-the-road in all possible respects. Help me out here, what's so exciting about him?

My favourite Jay-Z albums are Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, The Black Album, in that order (funny thing is I just noticed last week that Exclaim did a thing on him this month....and listed those albums as essential). No doubt I feel a few tracks here and there off his other albums...but I won't bump them front two back like the aforementioned 3.

BP3, TO ME, is one of his weakest albums. It does nothing for me.

the only tracks:
What We Talkin Bout
A Star Is Borne
Already Home

props to Drake for having a feature on this (I'm talking from a success point of view...I dont like his music either)

Very disappointing album in my opinion, was looking forward to this all year and I've only given it a few listens and I'm bored of it already. Same old topic from Jay, and some of the production (mainly Timberland) is below par and dated. There's a few bits of wheat amongst the chaff but all in all I think it's nowhere near the standard of some of his other albums. I actually don't mind the last track with Mr. Hudson, seems a lot of people hate it though. Sounds more like a 808&H's track, which is a good thing.

Oh well, I'll just listen to Reasonable Doubt and pretend it didn't happen.

Wow, I am on the other side of the fence with most of these comments, first of all, to answer. Jay is the best MC's because he is the most consistent in the most categories. The things that he has accomplished in the music industry, I’m not even talking business or any of that stuff, is phenomenal. He has the best flows, voice, and wittiness’, most of his lyrics have double or even triple meanings. There is really no one close in the MC world.

Secondly, this album sounds fresh to me; he made a new Blueprint for a new generation. The beats sound super nice, like an updated soul to them something new and fresh on BP3. No lyrics? He expands upon what is going on his life; don’t tell me your one of those fans that never wants an artist to grow? If anything this is one of Jay’s riskiest albums, if anything he shows a great deal of vulnerability on this album.

Thirdly with that other poster, tying in my last point, a great example of that vulnerability is “Forever Young”, great song.

I guess I just don't see it. His flow, his voice and lyrics all seem so... I don't know... ordinary I guess would be the right word. What are some songs of his that you think have particularly good lyrics?

other than all of Reasonable Doubt...if you want a good random song that showcases Jay at his best...listen to Dope Man.

or even tracks like "Where Have You Been"..

Reasonable Doubt is one of the two album I own of his. I've never found the lyrics particularly noteworthy. Any specific songs off of it?

D'evils, Dead Presidents, Can I Live?, Friend of Foe....maybe they're not mind-blowing or next level...but that's Jay at his finest imo.

I'm not a super huge Jay-Z fan... but overtime he's done a lot as far as popular rap music goes, I suppose. he as achieved a lot of commercial success. But I find the majority of his albums either decent or weak...especially the later ones like American Gangster, Kingdome Come, BP2, BP3.

Vol. 2 was good when I first heard it....back when it came out. Relistened to it not too long ago...definitely doesnt have the same effect....tracks like Reservoir Dogs is still killer.

but that song Dope Man, off Vol. 3....one of his best hands down.