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So what if "The Blueprint 3" doesn't quite hit the heights of its illustrious namesake? Jay-Z deserves credit for being one of the only hip-hop veterans to consistently drop above average records in his decade-plus career.

Wu-Tang Clan crammed all their genius into a couple of years of solid gold output before fizzling out creatively. Nas has a "one hot album every 10 years" average -- as Jigga himself put it -- while Dr. Dre avoids that particular pitfall by only releasing one album of any temperature every 10 years. But Shawn Carter just keeps on churning out quality product. Thanks to "Reasonable Doubt," "The Blueprint," "The Black Album" plus a handful of other decent efforts, he's the undisputed king of respectable hip-hop longevity.

As befits a rap elder statesman -- one with a couple of years of pipe-and-slippers "retirement" under his belt no less -- Jay-Z has lately favored a more grown-up take on hip-hop couture, ubiquitous shades and Jesus medallion notwithstanding. Keep reading to see how to steal Jay-Z's style.



Grey Barnum Cotton Cardigan
A preppy gray cardigan gives Jay-Z a toned-down look and offers a reserved, intellectual contrast to some of his more typically flashy rap accoutrement. ($115 from ThomasPink.com)

AX Round Leather Watch
Speaking of which ... All hip-hop looks require a little bit of wrist bling -- even if this more mature ensemble demands leather and stainless steel rather than gold and diamonds as the main materials. ($120 from Armani Exchange.com)

7 for All Mankind Slimmy Plaid Squiggle Jean in Montclare
A pair of crisp blue jeans are essential to this outfit -- relaxed, without being stupidly baggy -- like these classic 7 for All Mankinds. ($215 from RevolveClothing.com)

Dockers Braided Web Belt ($26 from Kohls.com)