New Jay-Z album to go platinum instantly on release after RIAA rules change

Jay-Z’s upcoming new album, Magna Carta Holy Grail has been tearing out the rulebook on how LPs should usually be released. Firstly, it’ll get a pre-release via Samsung smartphones. It’s also been promoted with lyrics released via a specially-made phone app. Now it’s caused the Recording Industry Association of America to change their own rules on sales certifications.

Previously, it had been thought that the record would instantly go platinum on its release, with 1 million albums being given away free to Samsung users. Then the RIAA denied this, saying it didn’t take into consideration such promotional campaigns. Turns out they’ve made a bit of a U-turn, however.

“Going forward, sales of albums in digital format will become eligible on the release date, while sales of albums in physical format will still become eligible for certification 30 days after the release date,” the RIAA say in a statement on the matter. “Not only do we believe it’s sensible and logical to align digital album rules with those we have maintained for digital singles since the program’s inception, we also consider today’s move in line with our larger efforts to modernize the G&P Program to reflect the new music marketplace.”

This means that it’s more than likely that Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail will become the fastest album to go platinum in history when released on Thursday (4 July). He had previously taken to Twitter to vent his frustrations at Billboard not considering these initial sales in their chart countdown, saying: “If 1 Million records gets SOLD and billboard doesnt report it, did it happen? Ha. #newrules”.

You can check out the album’s rather minimal artwork beneath:

[via Pitchfork]