JAY-Z has once again has proven why he is an icon in the music industry. The rap legend has just achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first Black male recording artist to earn at least 10 double-platinum solo studio albums. This remarkable accomplishment solidifies JAY-Z’s status as one of the most successful and influential artists of our time.
The exciting news broke after the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) updated its certifications, recognizing JAY-Z’s incredible sales achievements. The 2009 album The Blueprint 3 reached double-platinum status, with 2 million album-equivalent sales, while the 2003 record The Black Album achieved quadruple-platinum status. With these new certifications, JAY-Z’s total album sales now surpass an impressive 33.5 million.
It’s important to note that the 53-year-old is not only the first Black man to achieve this feat, but he is also only the second Black artist overall. The first artist to reach double-digit multi-platinum album status was the incomparable Mariah Carey, the most commercially successful Black female solo artist in history, with over 11 albums selling more than 2 million copies domestically.
When it comes to Black female artists, Beyoncé and Whitney Houston are the closest contenders, with six and seven multi-platinum albums, respectively.
But JAY-Z’s success doesn’t stop at his solo endeavors. His collaborative albums, such as 2004’s Collision Course with Linkin Park and 2011’s Watch the Throne with Kanye West, have also sold over 2 million copies each. This further solidifies his influence and impact on the music industry as a whole.
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To celebrate JAY-Z’s monumental achievements, the Brooklyn Public Library has unveiled the “Book of HOV” exhibition. This immersive experience showcases never-before-seen items and masters from JAY-Z’s career, paying tribute to his global impact as a musician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and disruptor. The exhibition encompasses artifacts, awards, rare photos, and legendary magazine covers, spanning his 27-year journey since the release of his iconic debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
The exhibition also highlights JAY-Z’s entrepreneurial ventures, including his co-ownership of the Brooklyn Nets, the success of TIDAL as a streaming platform, and the creation of multi-billion-dollar brands such as Armand de Brignac champagne and D’USSE Cognac.
JAY-Z’s accomplishment sets a new standard and serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists to strive for greatness and break barriers.
