There’s really no reason he shouldn’t be. Seven straight summers, critics might not admit itīut nobody in rap did it, quite like I did it” Only two restin in heaven can be mentioned in the same breath as him When I unwrap “The Gift & the Curse” in one session How they propose to deal with my perfect present? Look behind you, I’m bout to pass you twiceīack to the future and gotta slow up for the present “I’m so far ahead of my time, I’m bout to start another life

If “Hovi Baby” is any indication, Jigga Jay-Z is feeling just that cocky: Usually a double album comes out at a time when they are supremely confidant in their ability to sell to a large fanbase, even if it’s at least possible that by putting out such a large release with so many tracks some of them just won’t be up to par. More than that, it signals a shift in career for the rappers or rap groups who make one. Notorious B.I.G.’s last album was the double disc “Life After Death.” Tupac Shakur’s last album not released posthumously was the double disc “All Eyez On Me.” It’s probably a coincidence, but it’s still an ominous one. Dre (featuring Truth Hurts), and 'I Did It My Way,' which balances the trad-pop singalong of 'Hard Knock Life' with the digital drumrolls of 'The Takeover.Double-disc albums seem to be the death knell for rappers. Good choices for highlights include the Neptunes' bounce track 'Excuse Me Miss,' the horn-driven blast of 'The Watcher 2' produced by Dr. It's clear Jay-Z's in control even here, and though his raps can't compete with the concentrated burst on The Blueprint, there's at least as many great tracks on tap, if only listeners have enough time to find them. The discs are split into 'The Gift' and 'The Curse,' though there's no concept in view, just a loose collection of tracks ranging from unapologetically sexed-up party joints to theatrical epics and even taking in a Dirty South feature for Outkast's Big Boi. No one else in hip-hop possesses enough power of personality to carry a 110-minute double album, and if Jay-Z can't quite manage it either, he certainly delivers some solid material in the process. The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse is a radically different record, with the most respected rapper in the business trying on a range of styles, collaborating with a lot of guests (from Rakim to Lenny Kravitz to Scarface to Beyoncé Knowles), and working with an army of producers (Neptunes, Dr. Jay-Z kept The Blueprint incredibly tight, focusing on a single sound and letting nothing interfere with some of the best raps of his career. See more Your browser does not support the audio element. Dre (featuring Truth Hurts), and 'I Did It My Way,' which balances the trad-pop singalong of 'Hard Knock Life' with the digital drumrolls of 'The Takeover.'

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