Jay-z Album 4:44 Certified Platinum in 5 Days

New York titan and former Def Jam CEO and President, now RocNation executive, Shawn Carter better known as Jay-z released a Tidal Exclusive 4:44 album. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA, only 5 days after its release.

As rhythmic reflections of his life, Jay-z touches on rumors, altercations, and his personal life. Jay-z has sold more than 100 million records globally. 4:44 is his 13th solo project. Since entering the scene in 1996, he has accrued 16 Grammys, and insurmountably nominations. The Brooklyn native delivers a candid portrayal of his life in a New York minute. These songs are visions of his lifetime. Most notable track, “Kill Jay Z.” begins this symphonic album of sentiments.

Jay-z’s spirit as an entrepreneur, shines as he pushes his digital media company Tidal. Originating as an opening act for Big Daddy Kane, Jay-z exudes hip hop culture. The Brooklyn born MC, has released two albums since announcing his retirement, the previous being Watch The Throne, a joint album with artist Kanye West. Jay-z just may be the greatest rapper alive. He has the accolades to back the argument. His delivery remains smooth as butter. Jay-z has grown from and independent MC on the scene to a business mogul, from Reebok to Rocawear and RocNation. In 2010 he published autobiography Decoded, as a deeper look into his world. However no album has been more genuine or graceful, than 4:44. Jay-z touches on fatherhood and infidelity. Knowingly Carter’s relationship with wife, Beyonce has been targeted by the masses. Yet still. this is Jay-z’s perspective in mending past mistakes.

Cognitively produced by No I.D., who admits to using Jay-z’s current taste in music to stamp a concrete soundgrid for the album. No I.D. does not disappoint listeners and fans. As a little known fact No I.D. is responsible for the classic, 1994, Common album Resurrection. His relationship with Jay-z appeared to develop during the making of Blueprint 3, in which the man, the myth, No I.D. produced single “D.O.A. (Death of Autotune).”

The 4:44 album is doubled with a short film discussing Black America and Racism from a well-selected all-star cast including Kendrick Lamar and Will Smith. As a much needed dialogue Jay-z personifies the “American Dream”. Business is his milk, and clearly Beyonce is his honey circa “the land of milk and honey”, yet the land is still persecuted through poverty, pain, and brutality. America was formed by criminals- outcasts, who robbed natives of sacred land. In an ironic twist everyone from Native Americans to Immigrants, and even Black Culture, all view America as the promised land. However, Jay-z reminds us the future is never promised, and the obstacles that build icons like Sean Carter, also breakdown society. Hip hop is a light, at the age of 47, Jay-z uses his platform to promote unity and understanding. The perils of his life become seeds of knowledge, or heavyweight verses for the next generation of rappers. Unfortunately the critics, are already developing as both Future and Kanye feel slighted by lyrics on the album.

Jay-z 4:44 Album