July 27th 2024.
A monumental achievement has been made by two New York natives, Brooklyn-born Jay-Z and Manhattanite Alicia Keys, with their hit song "Empire State of Mind." According to Billboard, the beloved ode to the "Big Apple" has now reached diamond status, marking a major milestone for both artists. The record officially received its diamond certification from the RIAA on July 24, solidifying its place in music history. This is Jay-Z's second diamond certification, while it marks Alicia Keys' first entry into the exclusive club.
Originally released in October 2009, "Empire State of Mind" was the third single from Jay-Z's album, "The Blueprint 3." The news was shared by Keys herself, who reposted it from the Roc Nation X page and ecstatically wrote, "Empire is diamond!!!!!!!!" This achievement is a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of the song, which has become a modern anthem for New York City.
"Empire State of Mind" quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for five weeks. It also topped other charts, including Rhythmic Airplay, Hot Rap Songs, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. This widespread success is a testament to the powerful combination of Jay-Z's rap skills and Keys' soulful vocals.
Interestingly, this is not Jay-Z's first time receiving a diamond certification. He previously achieved this feat in June 2023 with Kanye West for their song "N**gas in Paris" from their joint album, "Watch the Throne." Now, with "Empire State of Mind," he has added another diamond single to his impressive collection.
But Jay-Z is not the only one with a chance at a second diamond certification. Alicia Keys' song "No One" from her 2007 album "As I Am" passed the nine million mark last year on February 14, 2023. This makes it highly likely that she will also join the diamond club again soon.
In other news, earlier this year, there were reports that Jay-Z's investment company, Marcy Venture Partners, was in talks to merge with the investment arm of Pendulum Holdings in a deal worth over a billion dollars. The two companies, together, would have a combined asset value of more than $1 billion. Marcy Venture Partners was co-founded by Jay-Z in 2018 with Jay Brown and Larry Marcus. The company is named after the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, where Jay-Z grew up.
This news further solidifies Jay-Z's role as not just a successful musician, but also a savvy businessman. He continues to make moves and expand his empire, proving that he truly is the king of the "Empire State of Mind."
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