Jay-Z Scores 12th Platinum Album
“I sold a million records about a million times,” raps Jay-Z in his latest album, “Magna Carta…Holy Grail.”
And yes, the album, which was released on Tuesday, has officially sold one million records.
This time around, Jay-Z decided it was time for some “new rules,” a phrase which the rapper has turned into his new mantra.
The rapper partnered up with Samsung by selling them 1 million copies of his album which were given to 1 million lucky Samsung users that downloaded Jay’s special mobile app on July 4.
In an unconventional move, the Recording Industry Association of America were forced to rewrite their rules to begin counting digital album sales, and therefore making “Magna Carta” reach its platinum status.
Unfortunately, Billboard’s charts will not allow the Samsung deal to count towards sales numbers, but Jay-Z is still projected to reach the number one spot with first week sales projected to be in the 400,000-450,000 range.
“Magna Carta…Holy Grail” will mark the thirteenth time that Jay-Z has reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200.
Randy Travis Suffers Stroke, In Critical Condition
Country star Randy Travis is currently in critical condition after suffering a stroke this week.
Travis was admitted to Baylor Medical Center at McKinney, Texas on Sunday “with a presumptive cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure,” Dr. William Gray said in a press conference.
Doctors inserted a pump in Travis’ heart on Tuesday to help it pump easier on its own.
Hours after doctors updated fans via video conference saying that Travis had been responding to treatments, things seemed to get worse.
The 54-year-old singer then suffered a stroke which was reportedly a complication of the heart failure. On Wednesday evening, Travis underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain following the stroke.
The hospital website announced that “Mr. Randy Travis is out of surgery and in critical condition,” after the surgery ended.
Throughout the week, the six-time Grammy winner has received public well wishes from stars like Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, as well as from thousands of fans, via Twitter.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck Leaves “The View” for Fox News
In what may be the least surprising job change in television, Elisabeth Hasselbeck has left “The View” after ten years to pursue a new co-hosting gig on FOX News’ “Fox & Friends.”
The openly conservative Hasselbeck has been in the center of controversy many times during her stint at “The View,” but Fox News Channel President Roger Ailes feels she’ll be a great addition to the network.
“She has proven to be an excellent conversationalist,” Ailes said in a public statement, “and I am certain she will make a great addition to our already successful morning franchise.”
The Fox News Channel is known to be one of the most conservative-leaning of the cable news networks.
“I have been a long-time fan of Fox & Friends and am excited to be joining their team in September as it is an honor to call the Fox News Channel my new television home,” Hasselbeck added in a statement.
“The View” will be undergoing a bit of a facelift over the next year as Hasslebeck is one of three to be leaving the show.
Joy Behar, who began hosting “The View” when it first premiered sixteen years ago, will be leaving the show in August.
The show’s creator and moderator, Barbara Walters will be leaving the show as well when she begins her retirement at the end of the next season.