Last week (July 12), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) updated their certifications, and according to Vibe, Jay-Z's 2009 album Blueprint 3 became his tenth album to reach 2 million sales. This certification makes Jay-Z the first Black male recording artist of any genre to have at least 10 solo albums reach double-platinum.

Eminem is behind Jay with eight multi-platinum solo releases and Drake follows with seven. Jay's 2003 release The Black Album reached quadruple platinum, bringing his total U.S. album sold to 33.5 million. Jay also has two collaborative albums which have reached at least two million in sales - 2004's Collision Course with Linkin Park and 2011's Watch The Throne with Kanye West. The only other person of color to achieve at least ten double-digit, multi-platinum studio albums in their career is Mariah Carey with eleven.

Jay-Z made news last week with the opening of The Book of Hov exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library. According to a statement on the exhibition’s website, the exhibition explores Jay's impact as a musician, philanthropist, innovator, and entrepreneur through “thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards and recognitions, as well as videos and artifacts from every facet on Jay-Z’s professional life.” The Brooklyn Public Library was draped in Jay-Z lyrics from "Justify My Thug" and "Encore" in honor of the exhibition.