In 2009, the album reached sales of 3,093,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. On February 14, 2001, it was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The sales week was thirty-percent more than the first-week sales of Jay-Z's previous album, Vol. was released on December 28, 1999, and sold 462,000 copies in its first week, while debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Release and reception Professional ratings Review scores It has since sold over three million copies and been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album was well received by critics and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 462,000 copies in its first week. featured production from Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, K-Rob, DJ Clue, Rockwilder, DJ Premier, and Irv Gotti, among others. According to USA Today critic Steve Jones, the record marked a return to the street-oriented sound of Jay-Z's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt. It was released on December 28, 1999, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. Carter is the fourth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z.
