Darryl has a point. I love how “Jockin’ Jay-Z” plays in the background throughout the video.

[H/T: HipHopStan]

Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album cover has been the talk of the web since it was unveiled. In fact, it seems to have obliterated any backlash he may have caught over “Run This Town.”

Says Jay:

“These things are like the forgotten pieces in hip-hop. It’s still about music. It’s not about radio, making gimmicks — it’s still about making music. Those things are piled in the corner. These are the forgotten things about music. It’s still about music. It’s not about radio, it’s not about making gimmicks, it’s about music. The three stripes that everybody is asking about is made from the original [number] three. The first three they made on the wall was someone carving. If you look at [the number] 3, all they did was connect lines. The whole thing about this album, how I approached it, is that I wanted to make a new classic to start that all over again — to go back to making classic albums like the ones we grew up listening to.”

Well, hey! He’s not a businessman. He’s a business, man.

[Spotted @ Roc4Life]

If you’ve ever had a chance to catch Jay-Z live, then you already know he’s one of the most unique hip-hop performers. It’s crazy how dude never really dances but still manages to keep everyone on their feet for an entire show. I guess it helps to have a slew of hits in your catalog, but keep in mind that he’s never had a No.1 single off his own album.

[Via: Buzzcuts]

You’ve heard Jay-Z’s “Run This Town” alongside Rihanna and Kanye West. Now pull up a seat and watch your neighborhood TRU Brain TRUs debate the new single from Blueprint 3.

Come on in, the trustees are waiting.
Read the rest of this entry »

For better or for worse, Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album has witnessed more leaks than a secondhand diaper. In true TRU fashion, our extended family member Enigmatik decided to string together a mix of BP3 songs that have been making rounds on the web ever since Jay-Z announced his forthcoming Blueprint 3 album. Rather than slap all the songs together in one convenient folder, which would’ve been just as great, Enigmatik decided to sequence them in their leaky leak order to give you an idea of the album’s progression.

Check out the mix and let us know if you’re still pumped up for this album. The Blueprint 3 arrives on 9/11. Read the rest of this entry »

Jay-Z – “Run This Town” (Ft. Kanye West and Rihanna)

If you were sitting on the edge of your seat, please back up a bit. This one is a grower.

[Music Via: Semtex, Artwork via: Nah Right]

The Game – “I’m So Wavy (Jay-Z Diss)”

The Game is like a nagging ex-girlfriend. He just doesn’t know when to quit. Ignoring him doesn’t work either.

To echo Dre’s sentiment, Game needs to incorporate mood stabilizers in his diet. He needs a new psychologist more than he needs a new producer.

Finally, I hope Jay violates his policy of not responding to girls and puts JT in his place once and for all.

Elsewhere:
Game’s Love/Hate Relationship with Jay-Z is Mind-Boggling [About.com]

Here’s an alleged song from Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3. Jay freestyles, takes a jab at Dame, freestyles some more, then lunges into a performance of “Money Ain’t a Thang.”

[Raise one to Rap Radar]