The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse

The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse is rapper Jay-Z's seventh studio album, released in November 2002. Parts of the album were later reissued as The Blueprint 2.1 in 2003.

This album, like Jay-Z's previous four, debuted at #1 with over 545,000 units shipped in its first week of sales, and eventually sold 2 million units in the U.S. The album was criticized for its more pop-oriented sound as well as its plethora of guests, while The Blueprint had been almost devoid of guest appearances.

Though the album has no strict concept in view, the first disc The Gift generally has more upbeat, party tracks, including the hit singles "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" and "Excuse Me Miss." The Curse has a somewhat darker tone, including fewer guest appearances, disses to Nas, Ja Rule, and Jay-Z's former mentor Jaz-O on "Blueprint²" and a dramatic street tale on "Meet the Parents."

Track listing

Disc 1: The Gift

Disc 2: The Curse

(*) denotes bonus tracks. Unlike Jay-Z's other albums, these three tracks are listed on the album and have their own separate track.

Chart history

Chart procession and succession

Reception

Jay-Z's album received mixed to favorable reviews.

See also

• List of number-one albums of 2002 (U.S.)
• List of number-one R&B albums of 2002 (U.S.)

References

External links

• The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse at Discogs