Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 to hit stores Dec. 2?

It's turning out to be quite the season for hip-hop lovers. T.I.'s Paper Trail was released Tuesday, Missy Elliott's much-delayed Block Party will (hopefully) finally hit Nov. 11, Kanye West has moved up his new album to "sometime in November," 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct debuts Dec. 9, and now Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 record is rumored to drop Dec. 2.

The press will probably latch onto the "rivalry" idea and pit these albums against each other. And even though 50 Cent says Jay-Z was nothing until he married Beyoncé, each artist should enjoy some robust holiday-time sales.

What's better than a holiday season filled with releases from some of the best working rappers? Why, all of them on the same song, of course. Jay-Z collaborated with T.I., West and Lil' Wayne on "Swagger Like Us," a riff on/sample of M.I.A.'s colossal hit "Paper Planes." A second part to "Swagger" is expected on Blueprint 3, this time featuring Andre 3000, Nas and Young Jeezy. Other collaborations to hold your breath for include a rumored song with Eminem and another with Chris Martin of Coldplay.

In between finalizing the Blueprint track list, Mr. Carter has signed on for a couple of free benefit concerts in support of Barack Obama. Jay-Z will supposedly have a song about Obama on his forthcoming record, entitled "Election Night (We Believe in Obama)." Hmm... wonder who he's voting for come Nov. 4?

Listen to T.I.'s "Swagger Like Us" featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne:

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5 Comments

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By Marvin the Hip Hop Martian on December 11, 2008

Blueprint 3 is not coming out until mid-2009 along with a DVD!! Producers on the album include; Pharrell, Eminem, Timbaland and Kanye West. Music videos on the DVD will be mainly shot by Director Hugo V. and a couple of other heavy hitters.

By MC 3XL on December 29, 2008

I keep reading on several sites about this Director Hugo V who is gonna direct some music videos for the Blueprint 3(III) Jay Z album...
does anyone know who Hugo V has worked with before?
Is he a rap or rock director?
Is he a TV or movie director?
Nationality?
Any one know please post an answer!

By Lestat on January 29, 2009

Hova has announced that the Blueprint 3 will not come anytime soon, he's gonna take his time with it!
Probably a late 2009 release.

And to the post above by MC 3XL...
just google Director Hugo V and you will find his myspace.
If also found him on:
http://www.rapdict.org/Hugo_v.

By NY Drome on July 10, 2009

I doubt Director Hugo V will be working with Jay-Z because Hugo V. is rumored to start on a project with Frank Lucas Jr and doesnt Jay-Z and Lucas have beef? Just thinking out loud!
http://www.directorhugov.com

By Breezy! on July 16, 2009

Man Jay-Z aint working with no Director Hugo V!
Jay-Z is way up there and Hugo V aint nobody!
Hugo V is a punk ass director!!!!!