Jay-Z has achieved another significant milestone, becoming the first Black male recording artist to have a minimum of 10 double-platinum solo studio albums. Recently, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) updated its certifications, and Jay's 2009 album "The Blueprint 3" reached 2 million album-equivalent sales, elevating it to double-platinum status. This accomplishment adds to his impressive track record, with his 2003 release, "The Black Album," reaching quadruple-platinum, contributing to a total of over 33.5 million album sales for the Brooklyn rap legend.
Notably, Jay-Z is not only the first Black man to achieve at least 10 double-platinum solo albums; he is also only the second Black artist to accomplish this feat. The legendary singer Mariah Carey holds the record for the most solo albums, with 11 of her works surpassing 2 million copies sold domestically, making her the most commercially successful Black female soloist of all time.
Jay-Z's achievements extend beyond solo albums. He also has two collaborative albums that reached double-platinum status, bringing his total to 12. "Collision Course," his joint effort with Linkin Park released in 2004, sold 2 million copies, and "Watch the Throne," his collaboration with Kanye West in 2011, achieved an impressive 5 million in sales.
To celebrate his groundbreaking work, a special exhibition titled "The Book of HOV" is being held at the Central Station of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City. The exhibit, which opened last Thursday, showcases Jay-Z's extraordinary journey from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn to becoming a global icon. It includes an array of archival pieces such as original master recordings, previously unreleased photos, awards, plaques, items worn by Jay during live performances, and more.
The opening celebration of the exhibit saw the attendance of numerous prominent celebrities and industry executives, including 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, and Miguel. Among the attendees were also Jay-Z's mother, Gloria Carter, and her wife, Roxanne Wilshire, as well as Beyoncé and Blue Ivy Carter, showing their support for the music icon's remarkable achievements.
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