singles

Rihanna Surpasses Eminem As Artist With The Second-Most Certified Singles

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Given that these two artists’ collaborations resulted in smash hits, it’s no surprise that they share a lot of similar accolades. Moreover, Rihanna just surpassed Eminem as the artist with the second-most certified singles by the Recording Industry Association of America. Even though it’s been a long time since her last album, RiRi keeps besting herself with milestone after milestone. Most recently, she earned her first diamond-certified record with her Calvin Harris collab “We Found Love,” in addition to many other platinum hits. If anything, it just goes to show that her influence can’t be erased by time.

Furthermore, Rihanna has 166.5 million certified units according to the association, inching ahead of Eminem. On the other hand, the Detroit rap legend boasts 166 million certified units, whose numbers are similarly incredible no matter what. But you must be wondering: if they’re number two and three on that list, who’s number one? Well, it’s none other than Drake, who the Barbadian singer has also collaborated with often. The Canadian superstar has 184 million certified units, and much like his fellow top three artists, he built that across a long and illustrious career.

Read More: Rihanna Looks Oh-So-New York In A Mesh Bra Top, Baggy Jeans, And Timbs During Late Night Date With A$AP Rocky

Rihanna Has The Second-Largest Collection Of RIAA-Certified Singles

Of course, it would be downright inaccurate to box Rihanna in to just her musical endeavors, as she’s made incredible strides in film, fashion, and much more. Still, a lot of conversation around the “Lift Me Up” star these days revolves around her growing family with A$AP Rocky. On their son’s first birthday on Saturday (May 13), the New York rapper confirmed the child’s name: RZA Athelston Mayers. It’s not just an homage to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan member, but the little one also shared Rocky’s middle name. The “Same Problems?” MC’s real name, Rakim, also honors a New York hip-hop icon.

Meanwhile, the Super Bowl Halftime Show performer recently celebrated five years of Savage X Fenty. While it was with a photo dump on Instagram, it’s still quite the remarkable achievement to maintain a business presence for so long. What’s more is that there’s only more RiRi on the way, whether in music or in pop culture. On that note, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Rihanna and Eminem.

Read More: Rihanna Magazine Covers: The Best Features

The Weeknd Scores First Album In History With 3 Diamond Singles

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The Weeknd’s 2015 album Beauty Behind The Madness just became the first album to have three Diamond-certified singles. Furthermore, the Recording Industry Association of America gave Diamond plaques to his tracks “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Earned It,” and “The Hills.” All these songs sold over 10 million album-equivalent units, likely pushed by their huge streaming numbers. Also, it somewhat solidifies Beauty as The Weeknd’s commercial breakthrough and his flag-planting moment in pop culture. Overall, this is quite the milestone for the Canadian singer, who’s incredibly familiar with success at this point.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 27: In this image released on December 7, The Weeknd performs during his “After Hours Til Dawn” tour at SoFi Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Live Nation)

For example, Abel Tesfaye ranks as one of the most streamed artists of all time. Of course, such a feat is unsurprising considering that his 2020 hit “Blinding Lights” is the most-streamed song on Spotify. While much of his profile and career discussion center around the numbers, he’s arguably one of the most influential artists of his generation, as well. From his first mixtapes, he established a cult underground following that influenced a moodier R&B sound. In addition, he evolved from dark R&B to sultrier ballads, from trap beats to ’80s synth drums, and so on.

Also, the singer’s talents and creativity usually extend far beyond the musical world, as he contributed to multiple film soundtracks. Not only that, but he has some starring roles under his belt, as well. Still, his most recent soundtrack work landed on the Avatar: The Way of Water soundtrack. Furthermore, he spoke earnestly about how its predecessor helped him. “That was probably the darkest time of my life,” he expressed to The Hollywood Reporter about Avatar‘s release in 2009.

“I didn’t know if I was going to succeed as a musician,” he continued. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to live to see tomorrow. And I remember I somehow got to see the film in theaters. I don’t know how I got in. It was such an escape from my real life that the film is tattooed in my brain.” It’s been a treat to see his trajectory, so stay tuned to HNHH for whatever The Weeknd brings us next. Also, happy belated birthday to The Weeknd, who’s celebrating big with his album and its Diamond singles.

SZA Chooses “Kill Bill” & “Nobody Gets Me” As First “S.O.S” Singles For Radio

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It’s been nearly a month since SZA blessed us with her new album, and it’s still in rotation. The latest from the TDE songstress emerged at the top of December following demands from fans. Although she frequently expressed her frustrations with her label and the music industry at large, the album’s outcome was certainly worth the wait.

After spending a third week atop the Billboard 200, her team reportedly chose the first two singles for radio. According to Hip-Hop N More, SZA’s “Nobody Gets Me” and the fan-favorite, “Kill Bill,” will be pushed to radio. The latter currently stands at the #1 spot on Spotify’s Global charts. Plus, she also hinted at a music video for the single.

2023 is evidently starting off on the right note for SZA and it appears that this momentum will continue throughout the year. SZA revealed plans to hit the road this February alongside Omar Apollo. However, the upcoming run will be particularly special for the CTRL singer since it’s her first arena tour. SZA’s heading across North America — including two dates in Canada — beginning in Columbus, Ohio. From there, she’ll head out to major cities like Chicago, NYC, ATL. Finally, she’ll close out the tour in Los Angeles.

Despite the anticipations surrounding the project and the success that followed its release, SZA had her doubts surrounding the project. She explained that she wasn’t sure if the public was going to embrace her growth and maturity as an artist.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: SZA attends the SNL after party at Dos Caminos Mexican restaurant on December 03, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 03: SZA attends the SNL after party at Dos Caminos Mexican restaurant on December 03, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)

“It’s my first album in five years, so I’m ready to be a different person and step into this new part of my life,” she explained to PEOPLE. “Really exemplify who this character is and get to know myself better while everyone else gets to know me live at the same time.”

Regardless, SZA did her thing on S.O.S and we’re excited to hear what her live show will consist of.

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