Sean Carter, better known worldwide as Jay-Z is an American rapper, entrepreneur, producer, and business man whose music is considered some of the best within the rap and hip-hop music scene. Born in Brooklyn, New York this iconic rapper has released 15 studio albums, among a list of other accomplishments. His current estimated net worth is at $520 million, which a large amount of that comes from his various business ventures. However, it was music that got Jay-z where he is today and in light of that, we are going to take a look at his highest selling albums ever.
5. The Dynastic: Rock La Familia – 2.5 Million
The first album on our list, The Dynastic: Rock La Familia, was released on October 31, 2000. This 2 times certified platinum album was Jay-Z’s fifth studio album to be released, ironically. The album received generally favorable reviews and peaked at the number 1 Billboard 200 spot.
4. The Blueprint – 2.7 Million
Coming in at number 2 on our list is the sixth studio release from Jay-Z titled The Blueprint. The album was released and produced under Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam records. The album was very successful and reached a number 1 spot on the Billboard 200 list. The Blueprint featured some new sounds and had a lot of soul influences found within, which was different from previous Jay-Z releases. Kanye West also was a credited producer for some of the songs.
3. Vol…3 Life and Times of S. Carter – 3.1 Million
Released as one of the last records to come out in 1999, Vol…3 Life and Times of S. Carter was a big success when it came out on December 28th. The album had a variety of well known Jay-Z singles and was the fourth album released by the rapper. Like all previous Jay-Z releases that we have looked at, it peaked at number 1 on the charts.
2. The Black Album – 3.5 Million
Coming in at our number 2 spot on the list is The Black Album. An obvious play on words from the Beatles The White Album, Jay-Z’s eighth studio release was well received. The album sold 463,000 units in the first week of its release back in November 2003. The album has one of Jay-Z’s most recognizable songs “99 Problems”. Again, the album held down the number 1 Billboard 200 spot.
1. Vol…2 Hard Knock Life – 5.4 Million
Coming out in 1998, Vol…2 Hard Knock Life, is Jay-Z’s most successful album to date having sold over 5.4 million copies. The album is a 5 time certified platinum release from the RIAA and won the grammy in 1999 for the Best Rap Album. It topped the Billboard 200 charts and sold more than 350,000 records in the first week of its release.
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