RIAA Gold Award for Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents"12" maxi-single. The maxi-single was released on Feb. 1, 1996 and was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 14, 1996 for 250,000 copies sold.
Released on the Roc-A-Fella Records, the label Jay-Z formed with Damon Dash, as a promotional single in advance of the Reasonable Doubt album, "Dead Presidents" hit #4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart and #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track has since been remixed/covered by many artists including Lil' Wayne, Drake, Chamillionaire, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Lupe Fiasco, Logic and others. "Ain't No Nigga" also appeared on the CD single. See image above for the the RIAA sales certifications of this maxi-single.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Maxi-Single award with CD, cassette and album miniature
- First presentation award made in 1996
- In VG to Excellent condition
- Presentation to record industry executive
- All original award with original manufacturer sticker
- RIAA "R hologram" awards were made from 1990-97
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Rare collector's item from Jay-Z's early career
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold award that would have been manufactured in 1996 making it 26 years old. This award is presented to Donna Grossman. It is not known what role Grossman played in the creation or promotion of the record.
The award is in VG to Excellent condition, with only a few minor mars on the frame and plexiglass. This award is all original complete with J.F. Duke Marketing manufacturer's sticker on its back.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards like this one: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com