RIAA Archives - New Hip Hop News

Drake’s “Take Care” Not Certified Diamond RIAA Says Contrary To Original Reports

February 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Drake is one of the most successful rappers in hip-hop’s nearly 51 years in existence. The Toronto, Canada icon has racked up hits, numerous great albums, tremendous features, and many sold out tours. One of his magnum opus moments in his storied career has to be the release of his 2011 album Take Care. Even after its 12 years of shelf life, it still sits really high on the Billboard Hot 200 chart. It is currently at the number 30 spot, and it has been on the chart for 572 consecutive weeks. Just last week his third project was at number 23. However, even after all this time, Drake’s Take Care is still not diamond.

According to XXL they had a direct conversation with the RIAA about incorrect reports saying Take Care reaching this coveted milestone. For those who do not know that stands for the Recording Industry Association of America. They handle and track all of the record certifications. Several music accounts on social media originally shared that Drake’s record sold the 10 million copies, the amount needed for diamond status.

Drake Still Has A Ways To Go Before Take Care Reaches Diamond Status

.@Drake‘s ‘Take Care’ has now sold over 10 million units in the US (album). pic.twitter.com/gLCt6HLart

— chart data (@chartdata) February 20, 2024

Unfortunately, the RIAA confirmed and corrected the original reports, saying it is sitting at eight million copies sold and is yet to pass that mark. While it may be a tiny bit disappointing, Drake is most likely doing just fine. Eight of his records are still on the charts and his It’s All A Blur – Big As The What? Tour is bringing in big crowds. It might take a couple more years, but Take Care holds a special place in a lot of rap fans’ hearts regardless of its certification status.

What are your thoughts on Drake’s Take Care reconfirmed to be not diamond yet? How much longer do you think it will be before it reaches that mark? Is this album still in your rotation? If so which songs and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drake and the RIAA. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of music.

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Post Malone And Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” Becomes The First RIAA Double-Diamond Certified Single

February 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Post Malone’s ability to blend together different genres and styles has given him both a distinct sound and a wide reaching appeal. One of the best examples is his collaboration with Swae Lee “Sunflower.” The song was originally released as a part of the soundtrack for the animated superhero film Spider-Man: into the Spider-Verse. The song became the absolute biggest of hits spending an astonishing 33 weeks in the top 10 of the Hot 100 including a stint at number one. The track is also among the most streamed in the history of Spotify with more than 3 billion plays.

Now the song has reached another remarkable milestone. It already held the record for most RIAA certifications by any song. Malone personal broke the record for most RIAA Diamond Certified singles earlier this year. That’s why it’s no surprise that “Sunflower” is pushing new ground with it’s recent certification. The song became the first track to be certified double-diamond. Check out the hit song’s music video, which has over 2 billion views of its own below.

Post Malone’s “Sunflower” Is Officially Double-Diamond

Last month, it was confirmed that Post Malone would be performing in the lead-up to the Super Bowl this weekend. He’ll have the honor of performing “America The Beautiful” before its kickoff in Las Vegas on Sunday. He joins a stacked list of artists supplementing the biggest performance of the night, Usher’s Halftime show.

Last year, Post Malone found himself caught up in some pseudo-legal drama. Back in September lawyers for his ex-girlfriend made some allegations of abusive behavior, claiming they had evidence. But the legal action ultimately came from Malone himself. He used the courts to aim at the lawyers for their public statements, which he sees as never being backed up by any substantial evidence. What do you think about Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” becoming the first song certified double-diamond? Do you still listen to the track? Let us know in the comment section below.

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What Is YFN Lucci’s Best-Selling Song?

January 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

YFN Lucci, the virtuoso hailing from Atlanta, has consistently woven tales of life’s trials and triumphs in his songs. Throughout his career, the musical storyteller has undeniably left his imprint on the industry with his superb discography. However, he has been awaiting trial in jail since 2021 over murder charges. Finally, on January 23, 2024, the rapper pleaded guilty to violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. As a result, YFN Lucci was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

While this is sad news, his attorney believes he will ultimately only spend a few months in jail. As fans wait for the story to unfold, the rapper has an extensive catalog for them to go through. Since he debuted in 2014, YFN Lucci has released many fire songs that listeners can’t get enough of, even now. However, among the myriad tracks that constitute his discography, the artist has a surprising best-seller.

The Platinum Duo

Both “Key To The Streets” (2016) and “Wet” (2020) are certified Platinum in the US for selling one million units each. On the Hot 100 chart, “Key to the Streets” peaked at number 70, while “Wet” peaked at number 92. Contrarily, “Everyday We Lit” has only sold 500,000 units in the US. Its sales have only earned it a Gold certification despite peaking at number 30 on the Hot 100 chart — the highest of any songs in his catalog. Admittedly, “Everyday We Lit” is Lucci’s only song with a certification outside the US, and is Gold in Canada for 40,000 units sold.

However, its overall sales pale in comparison to those of “Wet” or “Key To The Streets.” Because both songs are certified Platinum, there is no way to ascertain which YFN Lucci track has sold more units. However, as “Key To The Streets” had a better overall chart performance than “Wet,” it was a bigger commercial success. All things considered, “Key To The Streets” has earned the title of YFN Lucci’s best-selling song.

The Rise Of YFN Lucci

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YFN Lucci’s musical journey began in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. He was influenced by the soulful sounds of Southern Hip Hop and the gritty narratives of street life. Subsequently, he began crafting a sonic identity that would set the stage for his future endeavors. Soon after he signed a record deal in 2014, he released his debut mixtape, Wish Me Well. While that project was well received, it was the songs on 2016’s Wish Me Well 2 that shot YFN Lucci into stardom.

That mixtape was his first project to appear on the Billboard 200 chart and housed “Key To The Streets,” his first-ever Hot 100 entry. Since then, the artist has released several mixtapes, EPs, and his debut album. Although he has not dropped many new songs since 2021 due to being in jail, YFN Lucci has retained his listeners. His talent was never in question, and in terms of quality, his catalog speaks for itself.

Building A Solid Musical Legacy

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Throughout his decade-long career, YFN Lucci has managed to consistently release great songs. The success of tracks like “Key to the Streets” and “Everyday We Lit” is a testament to his apparent talent. While the rapper’s future is unpredictable right now, he hopes to continue adding to his already stellar discography. Although he’s been incarcerated for a while, fans are also hoping to get another project from Lucci sometime soon.

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Kanye West Receives Four New Platinum Certifications From The RIAA

January 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kanye West is allegedly going to drop Vultures with Ty Dolla $ign this year, as unlikely and controversial as it seems. Although it’s been a hectic, often scrutinized, rightfully criticized, but still engaging few years for him, his older catalog and even recent hits still get so much love from the community. If you want evidence of that, look no further than Ye’s four new platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. They recently confirmed some new plaques, all of which represent his songs– and one album– that sold over one million units again, as they continue to rake in numbers after reaching this milestone at least once before.

Furthermore, these new accolades include Kanye West’s album Graduation, which was just certified seven times platinum. As far as songs, these are “All Of The Lights” from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), also seven times platinum, “Runaway” off of the same project, and “Follow God” off of Jesus Is King (2019). Respectively, these songs went five and two times platinum. In fact, this isn’t the only commercial resurgence that the 46-year-old experienced as of late, as his 2016 LP The Life Of Pablo recently re-entered the Billboard 200 chart.

Kanye West’s New Platinum Certifications

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Despite everything he does to put his career and reputation in a grave, the weight of his talents and astonishments is too heavy to lessen. While there is still plenty of potential for Kanye West to come back with more amazing material, fans are also very grateful with what we’ve gotten so far. Some would rather that he stop at this point, especially as his inner circle and key artistic tenants seem so far away from him. For example, Pusha T allegedly blasted his former G.O.O.D. Music partner in reportedly leaked text messages.

Meanwhile, with his Hebrew apology to the Jewish community for his antisemitism in mind, there is hope that he will revert his regressions into bigotry. But we never quite know with Kanye, do we? All we can hope for right now is that he focuses on his career, craft, and artistry rather than his public perception or feuds. On that note, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Kanye West.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Ghostface Killah’s Debut Album ‘Ironman’ Was Certified Gold 27 Years Ago

January 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this day in 1996, Ghostface Killah’s released highly anticipated debut album Ironman was certified gold by the RIAA. With exclusive in-house Wu production from True Master and the RZA coupled with Raekwon The Chef appearing on almost every song on the album, making this album one of the best concept albums completed by the nine man conglomerate to date.

The 16-track album featured several hits that bolstered the Wu Tang Clan’s status as the best rap collective in the game, including the haunting street saga “Motherless Child”, “All That I Got Is You” featuring Mary J. Blige and the late Popa Wu and “WInter Warz”, which appeared on the Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood soundtrack.

This album proceeded Ghost’s abstract lyrical content as witnessed on 2000’s Supreme Clientele LP, but it’s story telling premise keeps listeners glued to the cadence and rhyme style of Mr. Coles equally as much as they are attracted to RZA’s production.

Ironman finally reached platinum status in 2004, which still proves to be Ghost’s most successful album of his career. The WTC would follow up with albums that attempt to mirror the conceptual preciseness of Ironman, however, none of the Clan’s solo projects can be compared in its totality to that of Tony Starks.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Ghostface Killah’s Debut Album ‘Ironman’ Was Certified Gold 27 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Ghostface Killah’s Debut Album ‘Ironman’ Was Certified Gold 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

ScHoolboy Q Gets New Platinum & Gold Certifications Before Return

January 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s (hopefully) going to be a huge year for ScHoolboy Q, who is set to drop his highly anticipated sixth studio album in 2024. However, he at least has a great foot to start off on if plans don’t work out as expected, for which fans have been very patient for. Moreover, the TDE lyricist received nine new plaques from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) with new gold and platinum certifications on Wednesday (January 3). Eight of these are for singles, whereas his 2019 project CrasH Talk went gold. So let’s break down which songs went gold, which ones went platinum, and which ones added another point on the multi-platinum board.

First, for the “Fork In The Pot” MC’s first-time gold certifications. These are “Dope Dealer” with E-40, “CHopstix” with Travis Scott, and “What They Want” with 2 Chainz. As for first-time platinum plaques, these are for ScHoolboy Q’s “Numb Numb Juice” and “Floating” with 21 S*vage. Meanwhile, “Man Of The Year” and “Studio” went three times platinum. Finally, the iconic track “Collard Greens” with former label mate Kendrick Lamar went four times platinum.

Read More: ScHoolboy Q Stands With Kanye West

ScHoolboy Q Performing In February 2020

ScHoolboy Q Certifications Platinum Gold 2024 Hip Hop News — BERLIN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 13: American rapper Quincy Matthew Hanley aka Schoolboy Q performs live on stage during a concert at the Astra on February 13, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Frank Hoensch/Redferns/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, ScHoolboy Q recently explained why his next LP took quite a while to materialize. “This is our life, like me talking about our situations,” he said on the BACKONFIGG podcast. “You know, the s**t we done been through, homies we done lost to the system or to the streets. Like, me talkin’ about my mama’s trauma from her own brothers. You can’t compare that to somebody that won an NBA championship.

“When it comes to music, I don’t look at it as like, ‘Oh, you have to drop every year,’” he went on. “I’m like, no, your favorite rapper has to drop every year because he needs chili. I do what I want because I move off peace, I move off my experiences. As a[n] artist, if I bring nothing to the table that comes from my life, I don’t feel I should put it out.” For more news and the latest updates on ScHoolboy Q, log back into HNHH.

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J. Cole Racks Up A Massive Amount Of RIAA Certifications

November 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

J. Cole’s discography is stacked with hits. However, what is a little more impressive is that a great deal of them are more on the lyrical side. He certainly has some of the more thought-provoking tracks over the past 10 years or so. All of this hard work and talented craftsmanship has led to an ultra-successful career. What has really solidified Cole’s stature within hip-hop lore has been his incredible run over the past couple of years. 2021 saw him return after a three-year solo album hiatus. The Off-Season provided so many memorable tracks.

“9 5 . s o u t h,” “a m a r i,” “m y . l i f e,” and so many others all provide something unique to the table. Then, after that, his feature run was absolutely incredible. He teamed up with Travis Scott, BIA, Young Thug, Drake, the list goes on and on. What is criminal about all of this, is that he has not grabbed a number-one hit until this year with “First Person Shooter.” While he was appreciative of the moment, it was not solely his song. However, you can argue he made the track what it is.

Is J. Cole The Best Rapper In 2023?

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But, Cole can ignore all of the debating and just revel in his successes. Some social media posts, as well as information from the RIAA, confirm over 20 certifications. HipHopDX also mentioned that “All My Life” with Lil Durk has just gone two times platinum. Other certifications include The Off-Season going platinum, and his massive triumphant anthem “MIDDLE CHILD” nearing diamond status. Congratulations to J. Cole on all of these plaques!

What are your initial thoughts on these new RIAA certifications that J. Cole just earned? Does this solidify him as the best modern-day rapper? Has he been the best artist in the hip-hop genre for the past three years? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around J. Cole, as well as everything else going on in the music world.

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Drake Racks Up His Most Impressive RIAA Record Yet

October 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Even before a new bunch of RIAA certifications dropped, Drake was already well ahead of his contemporaries. Late last year he passed Eminem to take the record for most certified song units as a solo artist. Now after a new wave of certifications hit to celebrate the rapper’s birthday that resulted in an even more impressive achievement. He’s now the first and only artist to ever hit 200 million certified single units as a lead artist.

Drake took to his Instagram story to share a text he received with the information. Among the new certifications are some particularly impressive album sales. Take Care was officially certified 8x platinum while Nothing Was The Same is now 6x platinum. His more recent albums are also starting to rack up certifications with Certified Lover Boy hitting 3x platinum and Her Loss right behind it with 2x. He also had numerous singles from throughout his career hitting new certification highs spanning from 2x platinum all the way to 9x. Check out the full list from Drake’s story below.

Drake’s New Batch Of RIAA Certifications

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The new set of RIAA certifications dropped because Drake celebrated his birthday earlier this week. His festivities included a party bartended by Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul. He also received some well wishes online from Nicki Minaj. Lil Yachty took the opportunity to troll Drizzy, asking fans online if they wanted to see a video of the rapper “eating a glizzy.”

In fact, Lil Yachty and Drake may be in the very early stages of cooking something up. While Drizzy is taking a break from music following his new album For All The Dogs, the break isn’t expected to be permanent. In a recent interview, Lil Yachty entertained the idea that a collab album between him and Drake was possible once the rapper returned. What do you think of Drake becoming the first artist to hit 200 million RIAA certified single units? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Drake Racks Up His Most Impressive RIAA Record Yet

October 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Drake’s New Batch Of RIAA Certifications

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DJ Akademiks Trolls The City Girls, Says RIAA Told Him They Went 15x Plastic

October 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

DJ Akademiks is someone who is known for being a huge troll. Overall, he has one of the biggest online empires in hip-hop media. Although he has pissed a lot of people off on his way to the top, he has been able to continue his ascent. A lot of his work these days is done over on Rumble, where he is a streamer. He used to be on Twitch, and although he still streams over there, Rumble is giving him the bag. In fact, while on Rumble, he is a lot more free to say whatever he wants.

Akademiks has been a staunch critic of the City Girls in the past. More specifically, he has gone after the likes of Yung Miami. Consequently, it should come as absolutely no surprise that he had something to say about their poor showing as it pertains to the first week sales for their new album, RAW. The project is estimated to do 6K units in the first week, which is not great. On his stream, Akademiks decided to troll them in a truly brutal way.

DJ Akademiks Never Holds Back

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Above, you can see that Akademiks begins to explain how he had a conversation with someone at the RIAA. Subsequently, he says the inside source called the new City Girls album “15x Plastic.” Of course, this conversation never happened and Plastic is not an actual certification. However, Akademiks has made similar jokes in the past. If you have ever watched him, you knew exactly where his spiel was going. While his audience may have appreciated the joke, we’re sure the City Girls weren’t so amused by all of this.

Needless to say, Ak is loving this right now. Let us know what you think about the City Girls’ first-week sales situation, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

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