The Munch

 

On Friday, September 11, Madison Square Garden Entertainment & FUSE will partner with Jay-Z when he will play a benefit concert in honor of NYC Police & Fire Department Widows & Children, underwritten by  ABSOLUT, Jay-Z and Live Nation.

One, nice that he’s getting multi-platform exposure with TV, internet (msg.com), and a (sure to be) sold out event at one of the most famous venues ever.

Two, nice that he chose to donate ALL proceeds to a charity that supports the families of local blue-collar workers. Damn right he bleeds blue.

Three, nice that he’s underwriting his own projects. I love it.

Now, I know we’re talking about the philanthropic Jay, but without the artist Jay, I don’t think I’d be writing this post. Right?  Sooo, let’s talk Blueprint 3.I wasn’t “up on” BP 1 or BP 2. I know… blasphemy! But honestly, I didn’t really get into Jay until the Black Album, I mean, I danced at the club when the singles came home, but I was never into playing his albums.

I think I’ve warmed up to Jay. I’m officially a fan. I don’t care that I’m late to the game. He just didn’t do it for me back then and I can acknowledge that. Anyway, Blueprint 3:  I love an album that I can rock all the way through. Don’t get me wrong, there are tracks that I skip (read more to see what I mean) but for the most part, I can listen to this entire album. And when the album is over, I’m left wanting more. And since there are no more tracks… I just play BP3 again. Read more for my thoughts on each track:

“What We Talkin’ About” (featuring Luke Steele) / prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. - this is one of my favorite intros ever. I mean, he set the tone right here. He is not dealing with the bull. No sir. Not him. Not on this album

“Thank You” prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. - hot song. I love how he’s like, “I got 10 number one albums, maybe now 11″. What a track record  Jay (!!) The beat is dope too.

“D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” prod. by No I.D. - I’m already over this song. It was released back in June, I think Jay performed it at Hot 97’s Summer Jam. It’s whatever. I don’t really have a problem with Auto-Tune. Some of my favorite songs of 2009 used Auto-Tune.

“Run This Town” (ft. Rihanna & Kanye West) prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. - I’m over this too. I’m not a huge Rihanna fan and I don’t think either Jay or Ye dropped hot verses. Their performances were ok. *ETA this song is pretty hot, actually.

“Empire State of Mind” (featuring Alicia Keys) prod. by Al Shux - I like this song. I listen to it, but it’s not one of my favorites on the album. I don’t really love Alicia’s performance. She’s not a “hook girl” in my eyes. OH… by the way I hear this song being blasted out of everyone’s car and apartment window, I’m sure I’m gonna be over this one in 2.2 seconds too.

“Real as It Gets” (featuring Young Jeezy) prod. by The Inkredibles - I usually skip this one. Not really a Jeezy fan. And I don’t really like the hook on this one. Perhaps a few more listens. (????)

“On to the Next One” (featuring Swizz Beatz) prod. by Swizz Beatz- I like this - the same way that I like T.I.’s Swing Ya Rag. I mean, Swizz has those drums that just knock. I love hearing them through big speakers. I can not NOT move my body when I hear this track.

“Off That” (featuring Drake) prod. by Timbaland - I love the concept of this song. I love the confidence to think that you can really persuade black  people to stop wearing Tims. Ha ha!!

“A Star Is Born” (featuring J. Cole) prod. by Kanye West, No I.D. - He gave a very dignified performance. It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers. Clap for ‘em.

“Venus vs. Mars” prod. by Timbaland - Another great conceptual song. He’s having fun with the music and I have fun listening to it.

“Already Home” (featuring Kid Cudi) prod. by Kanye West - I don’t really like this song and I will skip it, but when I do actually listen to it, I get into the lyrics. I love when Jay says “I ain’t worried bout y’all cuz I’m already me.”

“Hate” (featuring Kanye West) prod. by Kanye West - this is one of my favorites. So Kanye. They were good together on this one. I like this one better than D.O.A.

“Reminder” prod. by Timbaland - I can go either way on this one. I think the hook bothers me. But it’s true, sometimes people need reminders.

“So Ambitious” (featuring Pharrell) prod. by The Neptunes - The Neptunes are one of my top production teams. They created so much of the music that I love and sing out loud! Pharrell always gets me when he sings, but I respect his artistry. So… I’ll over look that one little part of the song that I hate to appreciate the entire song, message and all. Cuz honestly, I feel like that too… I’m so ambitious.

“Young Forever” (featuring Mr Hudson) prod. by Kanye West - Eh. I think I like Beach Chair better.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 at 02:36 and is filed under chewing the fat, me likey. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.