The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse

The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse is rapper Jay-Z's 7th studio album released in 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. 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 disses to Nas, Ja Rule and Jay-Z's former mentor Jaz-O on "Blueprint 2" and a dramatic street tale on "Meet the Parents."

Signed Roc-A-Fella Records producers Kanye West and Just Blaze, as well as longtime collaborators The Neptunes and Timbaland contributed heavily to the album's production. Other producers are Dr. Dre, Heavy D, and No I.D.. At this time, it is assumed that Jay-Z had just started a relationship with actress, singer, dancer, Beyonce Knowles.

Disc two: The Curse
* Bonus tracks

The Gift
A Dream
 * "Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G.

Hovi Baby
 * "Diggin' On You (Live)" by TLC

'03 Bonnie & Clyde
 * "Me And My Girlfriend" by 2Pac
 * Interpolation of "If I Was Your Girlfriend" by Prince

All Around the World
 * Interpolation of "Sadie" by B. Hawes
 * "Theme From The Black Hole" by George Clinton
 * "Children Get Together" by Ed Hawkins

Poppin' Tags
 * "After All" by The Marvelettes

I Did It My Way
 * "My Way" by Paul Anka

The Curse
Guns & Roses
 * "Arco Arena" by Cake

U Don't Know (Remix)
 * "I'm Not To Blame" by Bobby Byrd

Some How Some Way
 * "Castles Of Sand" by Jermaine Jackson

Blueprint 2
 * The Ecstasy of Gold by Ennio Morricone

As One
 * "Fantasy" by Earth, Wind & Fire

Bitches & Sisters
 * "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" by Kim Weston
 * "A Bitch Iz a Bitch" by N.W.A.

Some People Hate
 * "A Word Called Love" by Brenda Russell