With over 33 million albums and 34 million singles sold in the United States alone, JAY-Z reigns in history books as one of the best-selling rappers of all time.
Extension of that titling came Monday (December 4) when the emcee, who celebrated his 54th birthday on the same day, learned he received the gifts of multiple new shiny plaques from the Recording Industry Association (RIAA).
Details inside.
Taking to press, the RIAA revealed 15 songs from his prized discography got their certification statuses upgraded. See the full list below.
3x Platinum (for sales equivalence of 3 million in the U.S.)
– ‘Big Pimpin’ (Single)
1x Platinum (for sales equivalence of 1 million in the U.S.)
– ‘Izzo’ (H.O.V.A.) (Single)
– ‘On to the Next One’ (Single)
– ’03 Bonnie & Clyde’ (Single)
– ‘4:44’ (Single)
– ‘Part II (On the Run) (Single)
– ‘Holy Grail’ (Single)
– ‘Young Forever’ (Single)
– ‘The Story of O.J.’ (Single)
Gold (for sales equivalence of 500,000 in the U.S.)
– ‘D.O.A.’ (Single)
– ‘Lucifer’ (Single)
– ‘Family Feud’ (Single)
– ‘Girls Girls Girls’ (Single)
– ‘Lost One’ (Single)
– ‘Heart of the City’ (Single)
– ‘Encore’ (Single)
– ‘Public Service’ (Single)
– ‘Bam’ (Single)
– ‘Oceans’ (Single)
The 10 new Gold certifications push JAY’s cumulative count to 32, making him only one of 16 rappers who can boast having collected as many of the shiny plaques.
He joins YoungBoy Never Broke Again (98), Kanye West (92), Drake (80), Eminem (72), Future (71), Lil Baby (76), J. Cole (56), Juice Wrld (49), Post Malone (45), Kevin Gates (40), NF (42), Tyler the Creator (39), Trippie Redd (36), A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (35), and Lil Wayne (34) on the coveted tally.
JAY’s addition is all the more impressive considering his debut, unlike over 90% of that list, predates the digital era.