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Adding to his already impressive career, rap legend Jay-Z has earned 19 new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). These certifications include gold, platinum, and multi-platinum hits, with six new additions to add to his roster.

Jay-Z The O.G.

After recently celebrating his 54th birthday, Jay-Z officially achieved 19 additional certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Among the New York rap legend’s newly certified hits are gold singles such as  “Oceans” featuring Frank Ocean, “Lucifer,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love),” and “Family Feud” featuring his wife, Beyoncé. 

Jay-Z’s success also extends to multiple platinum certifications, with hits like “Young Forever” featuring Mr. Hudson and “Big Pimpin” featuring UGK reaching triple platinum status. The most significant achievement in terms of certifications is the 5X platinum hit “Holy Grail” featuring Justin Timberlake.

6 New Platinum Additions

Additionally, the rapper/entrepreneur’s repertoire now boasts six new platinum singles. Here’s a look at each song’s success before being certified platinum:

‘Izzo (H.O.V.A.)’

This single was from Jay-Z’s 2001 album The Blueprint and featured a sample of “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. “Izzo” would peak at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was his first top-10 single as a lead artist. 

‘Part II (On The Run)’ Feat. Beyoncé

“Part II (On The Run)” was one of the lead singles for Jay-Z’s 2013 album, Magna Carta Holy Grail. 

It was one of the many collaborations with his wife Beyoncé, and is a sequel to “03 Bonnie and Clyde.” The song peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

‘03 Bonnie and Clyde’ Feat. Beyoncé

“03 Bonnie and Clyde,” featuring his wife Queen Bey, was the leading single for Jay-Z’s 2002 album, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse. 

The song also sampled the beat from  Tupac Shakur’s 1996 song “Me and My Girlfriend,” paraphrasing its chorus, and was inspired by the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.  The song would eventually peak at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

‘On To The Next One’ Feat. Swizz Beatz

“On To The Next One,”  featuring star producer Swizz Beatz, was one of the leading singles from Jay-Z’s 2009 album, The Blueprint 3. 

The song won the Grammy Award for “Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group” at the 53rd Grammy Awards, and also peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

‘4:44’ 

“4:44” is the title track to Jay-Z’s 2017 album, 4:44, and it contains a sample of “Late Nights and Heartbreak,” written by Kanan Keeney, who was also a writer for the song. The song eventually peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

‘The Story of O.J.’

“The Story of O.J.” is also one of the lead singles from the 4:44 album. The black and white video featured cartoons depicting several well-known stereotypes associated with African Americans, such as Censored Eleven cartoons. 

The video also touched on Black culture, and how the Black community is affected by money. An animated O.J. Simpson is featured saying, “I’m not Black, I’m O.J.,” referencing the idea that wealth, notoriety, and fame can transcend race. 

The song peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Jay-Z’s World

In other Jay-Z news, he recently started an auction for rare memorabilia from his The Book of HOV exhibit. The memorabilia featured a Pinel et Pinel black leather case he signed; the proceeds will benefit the Brooklyn Public Library. 

Jay-Z also sat down in an interview with Gayle King in October and discussed his daughter Blue Ivy’s hair, owning his masters, and his legendary music career. He also hinted at cutting his hair and making new music. 

Along with his new certifications, Jay-Z is no stranger to awards. In November 2022, he posted a picture with his Grammys on Instagram. He has 24 Grammys in total and won them from his album The Blueprint to 4:44. 

Drake Ties With The King of Pop

Another rapper who recently hit a milestone was Drake. In October 2023, he tied the late music legend Michael Jackson with the most Billboard Hot 100 songs to reach No. 1 by a male artist.

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