Vinyl pressings
by Jay-Z · 2001
The Blueprint was first pressed on vinyl in 2001. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
5 pressings came out in 2001, the album's first year, in 2 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
314-586-397-1-A1 X Ⓤ MASTERDISK TDSide A runout, var. 1
314-586-397-1-B1 ✩ ⓊSide B runout, var. 1
314-586-398-1-A Ⓤ MASTERDISK TDSide C runout, var. 1
314-586-398-1-B ⓊSide D runout, var. 1
314-586-397-1-A1 X 2 Masterdisk TDEtched Disc 1 Side A
314-586-397-1-B1 1Etched Disc 1 Side B
314-586-398-1-A1 X 1Etched Disc 2 Side A
314-586-398-1-B1 X 1Etched Disc 2 Side B
314-586-397-1-A1 X 2 TDHand-etchings runout area side A
314-586-397-1-B X 1Hand-etchings runout area side B
314-586-398-1-A 1 TDHand-etchings runout area side C
314-586-398-1-B1 X 1Hand-etchings runout area side D
DEFF-15420-1-A1 MASTERDISK TDSide A runout
DEFF-15420-1-B1Side B runout
DEFF-15421-1-A1 MASTERDISK TDSide C runout
DEFF-15421-1-B1Side D runout
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Europe | Roc-A-Fella Records 586-396-1First yearLP, Album · Colored vinyl | LP, Album · Colored vinyl |
| 2001 | US | Roc-A-Fella Records DEFF 15419-1First yearLP, Advance, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Advance, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 2001 | US | Roc-A-Fella Records 314 586 396-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 2001 | US | Roc-A-Fella Records 314 586 396-1First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 2001 | US | Roc-A-Fella Records 314-586-396-1First yearLP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | US | Roc-A-Fella Records B0015880-01LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| 2011 | UK & Europe | Roc-A-Fella Records 0600753353479LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | UK & Europe | Roc-A-Fella Records 0600753353479LP, Album, Reissue, Repress | LP, Album, Reissue, Repress |
| 2025 | Europe | Roc-A-Fella Records 0600753353479LP, Album, Reissue, Repress | LP, Album, Reissue, Repress |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK & Europe | Roc-A-Fella Records 0600753353479LP, Album, Reissue, Repress | LP, Album, Reissue, Repress |
| ? | UK & Europe | Roc-A-Fella Records 0600753353479LP, Album, Repress | LP, Album, Repress |
| ? | US | Roc-A-Fella Records 314 586 396-1LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | US | Roc-A-Fella Records 314 586 396-1LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo | LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo |
13 vinyl pressings of The Blueprint are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 2001 and 2025.
The earliest pressings are from 2001, in US, Europe. One of them is Roc-A-Fella Records 314 586 396-1, released September 11, 2001.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 314 586 396-1, 314-586-396-1, DEFF 15419-1, 586-396-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 314-586-397-1-A1 X Ⓤ MASTERDISK TD and 314-586-397-1-B1 ✩ Ⓤ. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
