Jay-Z, the iconic rapper, has once again made history by becoming the first Black male recording artist to boast at least ten double-platinum solo studio albums.
This achievement was confirmed last week when the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) updated its certifications.
According to Complex, the 2009 album ‘The Blueprint 3’ reached 2 million album-equivalent sales, propelling it to double-platinum status.
Meanwhile, ‘The Black Album,’ released in 2003, achieved quadruple-platinum status.
These certifications have contributed to Jay-Z’s impressive total of over 33.5 million album sales.
Jay-Z Is Still Making History
At 53, Jay-Z is the first Black man to reach this milestone and the second Black artist overall.
The first was Mariah Carey, who has 11 solo albums that have sold over 2 million copies domestically.
Carey is also recognized as the most commercially successful Black female soloist ever.
Jay-Z’s tally doesn’t stop at ten, however.
He also has two collaborative albums that have achieved double-platinum status, bringing his total to 12.
His 2004 joint project with Linkin Park, ‘Collision Course,’ sold 2 million copies, and his 2011 collaboration with Kanye West, ‘Watch the Throne,’ sold 5 million.
To honor Jay-Z’s remarkable career, the Central Station of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City is hosting ‘The Book of HOV’ exhibit.
This exhibit opened last Thursday and celebrates Jay-Z’s extraordinary journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to a global figure.
The exhibit features a collection of archival pieces, including:
- original master recordings
- previously unreleased photos
- awards
- plaques
- items Jay wore during live performances
The opening celebration was a star-studded event, with celebrities and executives like:
- Lil Uzi Vert
- DJ Khaled
- Fat Joe
- Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez
- Kevin Liles
- Questlove
- Alicia Keys
- Zane Lowe
- Jayson Tatum
- Steve Stoute
- Paul Rosenberg
- Miguel
The hip-hop legend’s family, including his mother, Gloria Carter, and her wife, Roxanne Wilshire, and Beyoncé and Blue Ivy Carter, were also present.
Congrats to one of the greatest rappers of all time to achieve this milestone is nothing but greatness
— BG Sniper (@BgSniper6ft7) July 19, 2023
When you go to the Brooklyn Library to see The Book of Hov exhibit and Jay-Z himself pops in pic.twitter.com/qRoDlfrxMO
— real cozy (@stacysinterlude) July 14, 2023
