Jay-Z's Blueprint 3

Regardless of the fact that he is one of the greatest rappers of all time, Jay-Z's catalog sure has been inconsistent. After his debut masterpiece Reasonable Doubt, quality tailed off until 2001's Blueprint gave him his first career redemption. The Black Album gave him pop crossover hits, but Kingdom Come lost him some of that credibility he gained from it. 2007's American Gangster once again showed him at the top of his game, but can we count on this guy for two great records in a row?

Unfortunately, Blueprint 3 comes closer to Blueprint 2 than the original: too many guest spots, too much boasting, not enough memorable tracks. That's not to say it isn't worth buying for Jay-Z fans - the first five tracks find him at his finest for melody and experimental beat-making. The pair of radio singles are two of the best he's ever written. "D.O.A. (Death-Of-Auto tune)" is a hilarious send-up of pop music in 2009 where he draws battle lines with T.I. and Lil Wayne. It isn't as brutally mean as 2001's "Takeover" (his lash-out at Nas), but it is catchier and more fun. "Run This Town" with Rihanna and Kanye West is pop-rap at its finest with a catchy chorus and military drum rhythm.

However, things drop off around the middle of the album and never get going again. "Hate" is a waste of another Kanye guest spot with a sluggish beat and rhymes that struggle to gain momentum. "So Ambitious" couldn't be more mistitled: the beat sounds recycled from 1999 and makes you wonder if Pharell is even trying these days.

Jay-Z's new record will keep fans happy enough and it doesn't do anything to ruin his legacy or the great decade he's had, but it doesn't stand up to Reasonable Doubt or Blueprint (but then again, little does). If you want a daring, original hip-hop masterpiece, Q-Tip is finally dropping Kamaal The Abstract next week. The Blueprint 3 is more of a holdover until Jay-Z can come up with something better.