Jay Z's The Blueprint (sampling sources)

By Kenton Rambsy

This post is part of our "Sampling & Signifying: The Music of Jay Z" series.

The Blueprint
Release Date: September 11, 2001

1."The Ruler's Back" (Runtime: 3:50)
Producer: Bink
Hook/Riff:
• “If” by Jackie Moore (1973)
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ The Ruler's Back” by Slick Rick (1988)
• “ Kick in the Door ” by The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)

2. "Takeover" (Runtime: 5:13)
Producer: Kanye West
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ Five to One” by The Doors (1968)
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ Fame ” by David Bowie (1975)
• “ Sound of Da Police” by KRS-One (1993)
• “ The Watcher ” by Dr. Dre (1999)
• “ Oochie Wally” by QB Finest, Bravehearts and Nas (2000)
• “ Celebration” by Jay Z feat. Memphis Bleek, Sauce Money and Wais P (1998)
• “ Cash Money Is an Army” by B.G. (1998)
Movie/Television:
• “Bathtub Scene” from Scarface (1983)

3. "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" (Runtime: 4:00)
Producer: Kanye West
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969)
Drums:
• “ Xxplosive ” by Dr. Dre and Hittman feat. Kurupt, Six-Two and Nate Dogg

4. "Girls, Girls, Girls" (Runtime: 4:35)
Producer: Just Blaze
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ There's Nothing in This World That Can Stop Me From Loving You” by Tom Brock (1974)
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ High Power Rap” by Crash Crew (1980)
• “ No Romance Without Finance” by Eddie Murphy (1987)

5. "Jigga That Nigga" (Runtime: 3:24)
Producer: Trackmasters
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ Who Am I (What's My Name)?” by Snoop Dogg feat. Jewell and Dr. Dre (1993)
• “ The Show” by Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and The Get Fresh Crew (1985)

6. "U Don't Know" (Runtime: 3:19)
Producer: Just Blaze
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ I'm Not to Blame ” by Bobby Byrd (1970)

7."Hola' Hovito" (Runtime: 4:33)
Producer: Timbaland
Drums:
• “ Don't Get Mad (Get Even)” by Gypsy (1973)

8. "Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)" (Runtime: 3:43)
Producer: Kanye West
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City ” by Bobby Bland (1974)
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ Together Forever (Krush-Groove 4) (Live at Hollis Park '84) ” by Run-DMC (1985)

9. "Never Change" (Runtime: 3:59)
Producer: Kanye West
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ Common Man” by David Ruffin (1973)

10. "Song Cry" (Runtime: 5:04)
Producer: Just Blaze
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ Sounds Like a Love Song ” by Bobby Glenn (1976)

11. "All I Need" (Runtime: 4:27)
Producer: Bink
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ I Can't Breakaway” by Natalie Cole (1977)
• “H Me and My Girlfriend ” by Makaveli (1996)

12. "Renegade" (featuring Eminem) (Runtime: 5:38)
Producer: Eminem
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ Renegades (Original Version) ” by Royce Da 5'9'' feat. Eminem (2003)

13. "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)" (Runtime: 3:41)
Producer: Bink
Vocals/Lyircs:
• “ Free at Last ” by Al Green (1973)

14. "Breathe Easy (Lyrical Exercise) (Hidden Track)" (Runtime: 3:45)
Producer: Just Blaze

15. "Girls, Girls, Girls (Part 2) (Hidden Track)" (Runtime: 4:14)
Producer: Kanye West
Instrumentation and Composition:
• “ Trying Girls Out ” by The Persuaders (1973)
Vocals/Lyrics:
• “ One More Chance (Remix)”” by The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Faith Evans (1994)
• “ Queen Bitch ” by Lil' Kim (1996)

Related:
• The African American Literary Studies Lab