JAY-Z’s ‘4:44’ is Now Certified Platinum by The RIAA

He’s done it again. JAY-Z released his thirteenth studio album 4:44 last week to an amazing response from fans and critics. Just a week later, the album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), recognizing 1 million albums sold and/or streamed in the United States.

The album has been a TIDAL exclusive since its release. It is expected to hit other streaming services and retailers, including those selling physical CDs, starting July 7. Most likely, it’s because of TIDAL/JAY-Z’s deal with Sprint that has resulted in a massive first week number and not necessarily because of the insane streaming figures on TIDAL. This isn’t the first time Hov has adopted this tactic. Even in 2013, JAY sold a million copies of Magna Carta Holy Grail to Samsung, which meant that the album went platinum on the day of its release.

With 4:44 achieving Platinum status, JAY-Z has earned 13 Platinum (or higher) solo studio Album Awards in the United States which is more than any other Hip-Hop artist in the history of RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program. Hov is also the only Hip-Hop artist with 10 RIAA Platinum (or higher) studio albums. Above is a photo of JAY receiving the plaque from RIAA Chairman Cary Sherman. Congrats to JAY, Roc Nation and rest of the team!