The Hits Collection Volume One (Collector's Edition)

The COLLECTOR'S EDITION box set features a slim-line jewel-box with the essential fourteen track CD, plus a second disc of five impossible-to-find rarities, along with a limited edition large format 100 page (!) hard-cover cloth-bound coffee table book, filled with never before seen photographs of Jay-Z and friends in classic black and white, all housed in a beautiful white linen presentation box debossed with Jay-Z's signature "diamond"! The five rarities contained on the The Hits Collection Volume One (Deluxe Edition) comprise "Young Gifted and Black," "Pump It Up (Freestyle)," "My President Is Black (Remix)," "Go Hard Remix" by Jay-Z, Kanye West & T-Pain, and "This Life Forever" (from the Black Gangster movie soundtrack, 1999).

Jay-Z's career began in 1996 with the classic Reasonable Doubt. In 1997, he joined forces with Def Jam Recordings and began an unprecedented era of success propelling him to the position of trendsetter, entrepreneur and innovator that he is today. In 2009, Jay-Z released The Blueprint 3 on Roc Nation and effectively cemented his place in not only hip-hop, but as a spokesperson for innovation and originality; emphasizing the importance of expanding the boundaries of the culture. Jay-Z has transcended being pigeon holed; opening doors for artists of every genre, introducing his music to venues and audiences never before thought to be traditional hip-hop outlets. His career has sparked conversation and debate on topics ranging from hip-hop purity to various socio-political issues. With the release of The Hits Collection Volume One, Jay-Z celebrates what he has already accomplished, while looking forward to the "first time ever" moments he has yet to create.