Ever listen to Jay-Z's song "99 problems " and wonder what issues he is actually talking about? Ali Graham has stepped forward to help explain the mystery behind the lyric in his artistic renditions found on Tumblr.
Appropriately titled "99 Problems," Graham posts one illustration a day of what he believes are troubles Jay-Z faces in his day-to-day life. Under the blog title, Graham writes "even world famous rappers have problems."
The drawings are charming, funny, and most of all, clever portraits of the Mr. Carter's issues, Graham taking inspiration in his past song lyrics.
The "Magna Carter Holy Grail" rapper's predicaments include "radio don't play my hits," "getting stuck with a tricky crossword," "brain freeze," and "bad twerk ethic," just to name a few situations.
Graham posts the rapper's problems on Twitter (@99probs99) and Tumblr (probs99.tumblr.com).
Jay-Z recently made headlines when he sold 1 million copies of "Magna Carta Holy Grail" before the album was officially released, with the help of Samsung. The partnership inspired the Recording Industry Association of America to switch up how they measure Gold and Platnum ablums.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the old rule method put into account for returns on unsold merchandise (Gold and Platinum certifications are based on copies shipped to stores, not copies sold).
Since you cannot return an iTunes download, the organization has decided to change their policy.
"Not only do we believe it's sensible and logical to align digital album rules with those we have maintained for digital singles since the program's inception, we also consider today's move in line with our larger efforts to modernize the G&P Program to reflect the new music marketplace," RIAA's Liz Kennedy wrote in a press release. "The reality is that how fans consume music is changing, the music business is changing as labels and artists partner with a breathtaking array of new technology services, and the industry's premier award recognizing artists' commercial achievement should similarly keep pace."
"Magna Carta Holy Grail" is available in-stores and digital download now. You can check out the "99 Problems" Tumblr page here.
