Jay-Z earns the first ever Diamond single of his career with “N-ggas In Paris.” The Recording Industry Association of America announced on Monday (June 12) that the 2011 collaboration with Kanye West has officially sold 10 million copies in the United States.
Kanye West on the other hand now has two Diamond-certified songs. The former rap billionaire’s single “Stronger” from Graduation reached 10x-Platinum status in 2021.
“N-ggas In Paris” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Hov and Ye released the track collectively as The Throne on their joint album “Watch The Throne.”
Hit-Boy, who served as one of the song’s producers celebrated the milestone with words of appreciation to Kanye West and Jay-Z. “Luv to Ye and Hov for the opportunity,” he wrote on Instagram. “Im forever grateful. 10x”
In an interview with XXL, Kanye West revealed that the song was inspired by his travels in Paris:
“I am where art meets commercial. The sweet spot between the hood and Hollywood. Having a conversation with Karl Lagerfeld and Jay-Z within the same hour. When we’re in Paris dressing all crazy at fashion shows, we listening to Jay-Z. Jeezy in Paris, that’s what it is.”
The video, directed by West himself features live concert footage treated with strobe effects, kaleidoscopic mirrored images, inserts of jungle cats, and imagery of Paris landmarks.
