10 Things You Didn't Know About Jay-Z's "The Blueprint"

Here are some details about Hov's masterpiece album 'The Blueprint' that we discovered after some digging that might have escaped most listeners.

The Blueprint
Tidal

Image via Tidal

The Blueprint

 

Today marks the 11 year anniversary of Jay-Z's best album, The Blueprint. To this day, the undeniable classic is still beloved for its groundbreaking soulful production and top-notch lyrics. The fact that it was released on one of the most memorable days in American history has only served to cement the album's place in music history.

Most rap fans know of the many, much-publicized legends behind the album: An inspired Jay made the album in a few days, the album helped launch the careers of Kanye West and Just Blaze, and "Heart of The City" was originally meant for DMX. But we're willing to bet that there's still plenty you don't know about the first installment of Hov's highly-touted trilogy.

We did some digging and came up with 10 Things You Didn't Know About Jay-Z's The Blueprint.

Written by Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin)

The Cover is Inspired by a British Photographer

the firm blueprint cover inspo

Jay-Z Wanted “Heart of The City” to be the First Single

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On College Dropout closer “Last Call,” Kanye reveals that “Heart of The City” was meant for DMX. What's less known is that Jay flirted with the idea of making it the album's first single. He was talked out of it, which was fine since “Izzo” had already taken off at radio.

“Heart of the City” Originally Had R. Kelly on It

jay z and r kelly unfortunately

"Song Cry" Convinced Jay-Z That Just Blaze Was The Best Producer Around

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Last year, we spoke to Just Blaze about some of his classic records, including “Song Cry,” the emotional single from The Blueprint. After hearing the beat, Jay called Just Blaze and told him, “Right now you’re the best producer around. Nobody can take that from you.” According to Just Blaze, Jay proceeded to call up Timbaland and tell him, “Yo, you cool but Just Blaze is the best.”

Smoking Weed Helped Jay-Z Finish Making “Izzo”

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Since Reasonable Doubt, Jay has made it clear that he will often "leave that weed alone, man." However, Jigga admitted to XXL that after constantly touching up "Izzo," he didn’t finish it until he blazed one. “My man who sold weed and shit came, and he said, ‘Man, you need—man, just smoke some weed.’ I smoked some weed, and that’s how I finished ‘Izzo.’”

Michael Jackson Has an Uncredited Appearance on "Girls, Girls, Girls”

Michael Jackson

Ashanti (Allegedly) Gave Jay-Z the Infamous Prodigy Picture

ashanti debut album

The Competition Between Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Bink! Got Intense

kanye west just blaze rivalry

Just Blaze Wasn’t Satisfied With The “U Don’t Know” Beat

just blaze didnt like u dont know beat

Several Tracks Were Meant For Other People

jay z and ghostface killah

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