If all goes Jay-Z’s way, the rap mogul will tie rock legend Elvis for the most number one albums in history, a feat that depends on the success of the rapper’s American Gangster album.
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, landed his ninth number one album last year with Kingdom Come, which sold about 680,000 in its first week, the rapper’s best to date.
The Kingdom Come album put Jay-Z in a tie with another iconic rock act, The Rolling Stones, who have landed number nine number one albums throughout their 40-year career.
If Jay-Z’s American Gangster sells well, only The Beatles would have offered the music world more number one albums, with an incredible 19.
American Gangster’s main opposition include Cassidy’s highly anticipated album B.A.R.S. and Nas’ Greatest Hits package which landed in stores today (November 6) as well.
In related news, Jay-Z announced that the American Gangster album will not be available on iTunes.
“As movies are not sold scene by scene, this collection will not be sold as individual singles,” Jay-Z said, noting that the album could be purchased online at Rocafella.com, Amazon.com and Rhapsody.com.
In addition to debuting a video for “Roc Boys” this week, Jay-Z will be featured on VH1’s Storytellers series, which airs on November 8.