Jay-Z Earns First Diamond Certification for "N*ggas in Paris"
Hov’s got a diamond single to go along with his 24 Grammys and 14 #1 albums.
Despite 88 Grammy nominations, 24 wins, 14 #1 albums, and four #1 singles, Jay-Z has never had a diamond-certified song — at least until now, as “N*ggas in Paris,” off of Hov and Ye‘s (Kanye West, at the time) 2011 joint project Watch the Throne just reached the milestone.
“N*ggas in Paris” went gold in December 2011, only four months after the release of Watch the Throne, then went platinum in February 2012. More than a decade after its original release, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has confirmed it ran up 10 platinum certifications – making it eligible for a diamond stamp. As of May 2023, only 110 songs across all genres have been certified as diamond, and Jay-Z joins other rappers with diamond-certified singles like Eminem (“Lose Yourself,” “Not Afraid,” “Love the Way You Lie”), Drake (“God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance) and Travis Scott (“Sicko Mode”) in receiving the honor. “N*ggas in Paris” is Ye’s second diamond single, as Graduation’s “Stronger” surpassed 10 million certified units in October of 2021.
Neither Jay-Z nor Ye have commented on the accolade, but producers Mike Dean and Hit-Boy, both of whom worked on “N*ggas in Paris” have taken to Twitter to rejoice.
it’s a real blessing to be apart of the song that became jay-z first diamond record and producing the album that won Nas his first grammy. What a life 🙏🏾
— Hit-Boy (@Hit_Boy) June 12, 2023
Just hit my 4th diamond
“Paris” pic.twitter.com/eUJCCzc6I1— MIKE DEAN! #MWA (@therealmikedean) June 12, 2023
For more in hip-hop, check out Killer Mike’s latest release from his upcoming LP.
