The Hits Collection, Volume One is a greatest hits album by American rapper Jay-Z. It was released on November 22, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings and Roc Nation. Although greatest hits compilations of Jay-Z have been released internationally before, this was the first of its kind to be released in the United States, in which it was released in a standard edition, deluxe edition, collector's edition box set as well as a 3-disc deluxe vinyl. The album features four tracks from The Black Album, three from The Blueprint 3 and one from each of Jay's other solo albums dating back to Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.
| The Hits Collection, Volume One | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Greatest hits album by | ||||
| Released | November 22, 2010 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 56:03 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Compiler | Jay-Z | |||
| Jay-Z chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| BBC Music | (Favorable)[2] |
| BLARE Magazine | [3] |
| Pitchfork | 7.5/10[4] |
Title and packaging
editThe Hits Collection, Volume One was Jay-Z's first greatest hits album to be released by Roc Nation, and is the only greatest hits album to be released so far in his career. The front packaging of the album cover features Jay-Z's signature diamond hands, which are a reference to his fifth studio album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. The inside album sleeve contains a booklet with photos of Jay-Z throughout his career, song descriptions, as well as an opening acknowledgment from Jay-Z himself.
In the opening acknowledgement, Carter wrote:
To be honest, I've avoided doing this type of project. It's difficult to pick 14 songs that define who I am. Some of my best songs were never released as singles. I've challenged myself to make classic albums that will define my legacy–and not just individual songs. Still, the timing of this project finally felt right to me.
Most of my recording career was with Def Jam. That chapter is closed, and a new one has opened: with Roc Nation. This album represents that transition. This is a collector's piece. It represents some of my strongest work. Each song represents a different time, a different feeling, or a different emotion. Plenty of people have already purchased this music 100 times. Still–I worked hard to sequence the songs, to create a true listening experience. Once you have all the great songs in one place, you can't go wrong. Ha.
This project means more than record sales. I collect art, things that inspire me, and I want Hits to be that for you. The artwork, the photos I'm willing to share represent my appreciation for your support through the years. As I go to the next level and open more doors, I truly believe there's no limit to where we can take hip-hop culture. Vol. 2 comin' soon. On to the next one.
— S.C. (Shawn Carter)
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15. | "Young, Gifted and Black" | Marley Marl | 2:01 |
| 16. | "Pump It Up" (Freestyle) | Just Blaze | 1:57 |
| 17. | "My President Is Black" (Remix) (Young Jeezy featuring Jay-Z) | Tha Bizness | 3:58 |
| 18. | "Go Hard" (Remix) (DJ Khaled featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West and T-Pain) | The Runners | 3:36 |
| 19. | "This Life Forever" | Ty Fyffe | 3:43 |
| Total length: | 15:15 | ||
Charts
edit| Chart (2010–2013) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[5] | 83 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[6] | 121 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[7] | 89 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[8] | 19 |
| Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[9] | 16 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[10] | 98 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[11] | 20 |
| US Billboard 200[12] | 43 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[13] | 11 |
| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[14] | 86 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[15] | Platinum | 300,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ Kellman, Andy (November 22, 2010). "The Hits Collection, Vol. 1 – Jay-Z : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
- ^ "Music – Review of Jay-Z – The Hits Collection – Volume One". BBC. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
- ^ "REVIEW: Jay-Z – "The Hits Collection (Vol.1)"". Blaremagazine.com. November 22, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
- ^ "The Hits Collection, Vol. One | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. November 23, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 143.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Jay-Z – The Hits Collection - Volume One" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Jay-Z – The Hits Collection - Volume One" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Charts.nz – Jay-Z – The Hits Collection - Volume One". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Jay-Z – The Hits Collection - Volume One". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Jay-Z – The Hits Collection - Volume One". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Jay-Z Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Jay-Z Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
- ^ "Jay-Z Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
- ^ "British album certifications – Jay-Z – The Hits Collection - Volume One". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 14, 2022.