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NEW YORK (By Cara Donatto/ Atlantic Records) - Bad Boy Records' "THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER" has been certified platinum by the RIAA for U.S. sales of more than one million units. The most eagerly anticipated album in hip-hop history, it was released on December 20th and reigned at No 1 on Billboard's Top Rap Albums chart for seven consecutive weeks. The collection made its debut on the Billboard 200 at No 3, and also earned the magazine's "Hot Shot Debut" crown for its bow on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the No 3 spot.
The album includes the radio/video smash hits "Nasty Girl," featuring Diddy, Nelly, and Jagged Edge, and "Spit Your Game," produced by
Swizz Beatz and featuring
Twista and Bone Thugs N Harmony.
Over two years in the making, "THE FINAL CHAPTER" features rhymes recorded by B.I.G. throughout his career, melded with newly recorded performances by some of contemporary music's greatest vocalists and MCs. Dozens of superstars have come together to perform with and pay homage to the legendary rapper on this unprecedented, history-making release. In addition, "THE FINAL CHAPTER" incorporates posthumous appearances by 2Pac, Bob Marley, and Big Pun.
Featured with the Notorious B.I.G. on "THE FINAL CHAPTER" are, in order of appearance: Diddy, Eminem, Obie Trice, Twista, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Jay-Z, Nate Dogg, Redman, Big Pun, Fat Joe, Freeway, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Faith Evans, Cheri Dennis, Bobby Valentino, The Game, Nelly, Jagged Edge, Avery Storm, 2Pac, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Mobb Deep, Lil Wayne, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Scarface, Akon, Big Gee, T.I., Slim Thug, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Charlie Wilson, Bob Marley, and KoRn.
Heralding the release of "THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER," December was designated "B.I.G. Mobile Month," as the entire mobile community joined forces to launch an unprecedented campaign starring the legendary rapper. Both the new album and B.I.G.'s biggest catalog hits have been transformed into over 60 ringtones custom-tailored for the wireless world, creating a huge selection of exclusive made-for-mobile content.
With the RIAA certification of "THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER," it joins B.I.G.'s three previous albums in the platinum-plus category: "READY TO DIE" (1994), "LIFE AFTER DEATH" (1997), and "BORN AGAIN" (1999).