Sometimes it's better to take quality over quantity, but unfortunately Jay-Z will have to learn that the hard way.

The Brooklyn rapper took on quite a challenge, writing the sequel to his multi-platinum success, The Blueprint. The resulting double CD, The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse, shows Jay staying with his eclectic style. Though laden with some great rhymes and interesting beats, the majority of the tracks are just not impressive.

Even rappers have to get older, and Jay-Z is starting to reflect this. The Blueprint 2 showcases a more mature vibe, with Jay looking at his own success and taking a scrupulous view on the world of hip-hop.

This idea can be seen from the very start, with the ominous opener, "A Dream," which features a borrowed Notorious B.I.G. rap along with some appropriate vocals by Faith Evans. Written around a fantasy conversation between the two rappers, the track flows with Evans' luscious vocals and Jay's confident rhymes.

Stylistically, this album goes in just about every direction imaginable, but never settles well with any of them. Jay takes some aggressive raps in "U Don't Know," and he gives the clubs a few mid-tempo dance tracks with "The Bounce" and the first single "'03 Bonnie and Clyde" (with Beyoncé Knowles). The album even creates a new rap-rock of sorts, with the Lenny Kravitz-assisted "Guns & Roses."

No matter what music, guest producer or featured rapper he uses, Jay-Z can still rhyme with the best of them. With mastery in the art of hip-hop, he shows he has just about everything set. Now, Jay just needs to learn the fine art of self-editing.

Grade: C-