The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

I was reading this New Yorker article over the weekend and though I am not a huge fan of hip-hop or rap music, I was interested in the idea that rap music as we know it is dead. I started thinking about this idea and realized that in a lot of ways, it is. Rap started as a form of repressive expression. A means to express the plight of a generation. Honestly, very much like Bob Dylan. There were things that most middle class American's never knew were happening but the voice of rap music made people listen and become aware. But now, what is rap music? How has it progressed?

Well, while listening to The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z, I heard something in the music that was alluded to in the article. Rap music has come out of the projects and moved into a posh New York penthouse over looking Central Park. And you can hear it. There is no grit or dirt behind the rhymes and when they try, it just sounds cheesy. We all know that you can buy me three times over, so stop trying to act like your broke and living in the slums. Jay-Z however, doesn't give you the impression of anything other than grandeur, which I honestly appreciate.

During a recent discussion with a friend, they said that Jay-Z was tone deaf. It made me laugh because I had never come to the same conclusion being a minor fan of his. I have always appreciated Jay-Z's love of music. It is very obvious with the music that he uses, that he is a fan of many genres. But after listening to the Blueprint 3, I kind of have to agree. He is a little tone deaf when he is rapping but I can't believe that he is tone deaf in reality. The vibe of the music he creates says a lot about the talent behind the man.

I enjoyed the album, I put it in over the weekend while reading a book. It wasn't disturbing to have in the background and it was rather catchy. I believe that the gem of the whole album is Empire State of Mind featuring Alicia Keys. I saw it performed on the MTV Video Music Awards and was blown away then. As a little girl, I dreamed of moving to New York City and becoming a dancer, living in the City where dreams are made. Empire State of Mind evokes such strong emotion in me. When I listen to this song, I get the same feeling as when I was a little girl dreaming of New York City.

All in all, not bad. Can't say it's my favorite album of all time but there are definately some songs that will be going onto a playlist on my iPod.