Hov’s ‘The Blueprint 3’ and ‘The Black Album’ received new RIAA certifications last week. Counting collaborative projects, the 53-year-old has 12 LPs that have gone double platinum or better.
jay-z added another achievement to his list of wins by becoming the first black male artist to have at least 10 solo studio albums certified double platinum.
Last week, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) updated their certifications, and the album The Blueprint 3 achieved 2 million album-equivalent sales, which propelled it to double platinum status. O Black Album, released in 2003, it has gone quadruple platinum, earning the rap legend more than 33.5 million album sales.
In addition to being the first black man to have at least 10 double platinum solo albums, Jay-Z, aged 53, he is only the second black artist to do so. Mariah Carey has 11 solo albums that have sold over 2 million copies domestically and is also considered the most commercially successful solo black female artist of all time.
jay-z also has two collaborative albums that have gone double platinum, bringing their total number to 12. Linkin Park in 2004, entitled Collision Course, sold 2 million copies, and another with Kanye West, Watch the Throne, of 2011, sold 5 million.
The MC’s pioneering work is being commemorated at Central Station at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City. The exposure Book of HOV opened last Thursday and is billed as a recognition of the “extraordinary journey of jay of the Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects the global figure.”
Collection of archival pieces includes original master recordings, previously unreleased photos, awards, plaques, items used by jay-z during live performances and much more.
An opening celebration was held at the library last Thursday the 13th, attended by a number of celebrities and big-name executives, including Lil Uzi Vert, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, CEO of Roc Nation, Desiree Perez, Kevin Liles, Questlove, Alicia Keys, Zane Lowe, Jayson Tatum, Steve Stoute, Paul Rosenberg and Miguel. Also present were the mother of Jay-Z, Gloria Carterand your wife Roxanne Wilshire, in addition to Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
