September 11, 2001 is considered one of the most-pivotal days in US history, due to the attacks. Not to take away from that, but it is also a pivotal day in hip hop history. This was when Jay Z officially was crowned the king of rap.
Leading up to The Blueprint, Jay Z was dropping an album a year and making hit records. His label saw the likes of Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, and Freeway rise to stardom. Also, his in-house producer, Kanye West, got a big look on this album.
Jay Z began putting himself in a class of his own, getting the immortal Michael Jackson to lend vocals on “Girls Girls Girls.” He also sampled a young Michael and the Jackson5 for his “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” casually known as “H To The Izzo.” Establishing himself as a force in business, the $100 million man, Jay officially went to war with Nas.
The Blueprint set the standard for Jay Z to become who he is today, with what he did fifteen years ago. Subsequent years saw Jay Z take the helm at Def Jam, signing Rick Ross, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Young Jeezy, and many others. He also was present when the likes of Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Jermaine Dupri joined the roster and had varying levels of success.
Of course, Jay Z would leave Def Jam and deliver The Blueprint 3, which contained his first-ever Billboard Hot 100 number one single, which wouldn’t be possible without the original. Since then, Jay Z has been instrumental in the growth of Big Sean, several Chicago-area rappers, including Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa, Wale, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne Drake, and countless others.
Jay Z received much praise on Twitter for his efforts, among other places for The Blueprint and the impact it has had on the culture. Plus, the business ventures Jay Z have made since the album make him seem almost like a prophet, as he has signed the likes of J. Cole. Then, via TIDAL, he is partnered with Usher, Alicia Keys, Paul McCartney, Madonna, and many others.
