The Hits Collection, Volume One is a greatest hits album by American rapper Jay-Z. It was released on November 22, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings and Roc Nation. Although greatest hits compilations of Jay-Z have been released internationally before, this was the first of its kind to be released in the United States, in which it was released in a standard edition, deluxe edition, collector's edition box set as well as a 3-disc deluxe vinyl. The album features four tracks from The Black Album, three from The Blueprint 3 and one from each of Jay's other solo albums dating back to Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life.

Quick Facts The Hits Collection, Volume One, Greatest hits album by Jay-Z ...

The Hits Collection, Volume One
Greatest hits album by Jay-Z
Released	November 22, 2010 (2010-11-22)
Genre	Hip hop
Length	56:03
Label	Def Jam Roc Nation
Compiler	Jay-Z
Jay-Z chronology
The Blueprint 3 (2009) The Hits Collection, Volume One (2010) Watch the Throne (2011)

Close

More information Review scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
BBC Music	(Favorable)[2]
BLARE Magazine	[3]
Pitchfork	7.5/10[4]

Close

The Hits Collection, Volume One was Jay-Z's first greatest hits album to be released by Roc Nation, and is the only greatest hits album to be released so far in his career. The front packaging of the album cover features Jay-Z's signature diamond hands, which are a reference to his fifth studio album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. The inside album sleeve contains a booklet with photos of Jay-Z throughout his career, song descriptions, as well as an opening acknowledgment from Jay-Z himself.

In the opening acknowledgement, Carter wrote:

To be honest, I've avoided doing this type of project. It's difficult to pick 14 songs that define who I am. Some of my best songs were never released as singles. I've challenged myself to make classic albums that will define my legacy–and not just individual songs. Still, the timing of this project finally felt right to me.

Most of my recording career was with Def Jam. That chapter is closed, and a new one has opened: with Roc Nation. This album represents that transition. This is a collector's piece. It represents some of my strongest work. Each song represents a different time, a different feeling, or a different emotion. Plenty of people have already purchased this music 100 times. Still–I worked hard to sequence the songs, to create a true listening experience. Once you have all the great songs in one place, you can't go wrong. Ha.

This project means more than record sales. I collect art, things that inspire me, and I want Hits to be that for you. The artwork, the photos I'm willing to share represent my appreciation for your support through the years. As I go to the next level and open more doors, I truly believe there's no limit to where we can take hip-hop culture. Vol. 2 comin' soon. On to the next one.

— S.C. (Shawn Carter)