Once inside, physicians and nurses worked quickly to stabilize Jay. Lab work and other diagnostic tests revealed that he had suffered a massive heart attack. He also had a 100 percent blockage in the largest and most important artery of the heart, which was limiting blood flow to his brain.

In 2009, he released The Blueprint 3, which included his first chart-topping single "Empire State of Mind". The singles from the album went on to win several Grammys and peaked high on the charts as well.