Jay-Z Album Moved Up Two Weeks

[Guest .::BeatFactory::.]

As first tipped here yesterday (Nov. 5), Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam has moved up the release of Jay-Z's swan song, "The Black Album," from Nov. 28 to Nov. 14, due to piracy. "Due to individuals illegally distributing my album, I have no choice but to move the release date," Jay-Z said in a statement.

"I have made sure that my album is available at a lower price for my fans," he continued. "In turn, I hope my fans will support me and Roc-A-Fella Records and buy my final release in an appropriate way, either via a retail store or a legitimate digital distribution site."

The original release date of "The Black Album" was the day after Thanksgiving -- the biggest shopping day of the year, called Black Friday because it pushes many retailers out of red ink into black. However, that day also presented problems, with some merchants fearing they wouldn't receive product in time because of the holiday.

Meanwhile, the video for first single "Change Clothes" featuring Pharrell will debut Tuesday on MTV, and features appearances by model Naomi Campbell, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, actress Kelly Ripa and vocalist Mary J. Blige.

Jay-Z will celebrate the new release with a star-studded Nov. 25 show at New York's Madison Square Garden, and will also play local radio station Z100's Dec. 11 Jingle Ball at the same venue.