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Cultural Landmark: Jay-Z’s The Blueprint Inducted Into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry

Jay-Z’s sixth solo album of 2001, The Blueprint is often heralded as his best work to date. As of today, the notable hip-hop album will accompany 25 considered “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” recordings with an induction into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.

In order to be inducted, a recording must be at least 10 years old in order to be selected by the Librarian of Congress. “The National Recording Registry honors the music that enriches our souls, the voices that tell our stories and the sounds that mirror our lives,“ said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "The influence of recorded sound over its nearly 160-year history has been profound and technology has increased its reach and significance exponentially. The Library of Congress and its many collaborators are working to preserve these sounds and moments in time, which reflect our past, present and future.”

The Blueprint is the first work that was produced in the 21st century to be added to the National Recording Registry. The work is not the first Hip-Hop work to achieve the honor, as it joins Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, “Dear Mama” by Tupac Shakur, Public Enemy’s Fear of a Black Planet, De La Soul 3 Feet High and Rising, N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton, Run D.M.C.’s Raising Hell, “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang. Also, while not an official Hip-Hop work, but arguably an influential precursor to the art form, Gil-Scott Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Television” was the first poetic bound rap record to be inducted into the prestigious chronicle in 2005.

Often placed in “greatest album of all time” hip-hop lists, The Blueprint was released on the same day as the 9/11 attacks and managed to over 427,000 copies its first week, ultimately reaching double platinum status with over 2 million copies sold.

The album is also known for being the home of one of Kanye West’s most notably primary works as a producer with his tabs on Jay-Z classic “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)"and "Takeover.” Just Blaze is also recognized for his production on the album for “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Song Cry.”

Danii Banks