Canadian rapper Drake has become the first artiste to surpass 350 million Recording Industry Association of America-certified (RIAA) units, extending his lead as the most-certified artiste in the organisation’s history.
The milestone followed 30 new certifications awarded on Friday, October 23, ahead of the rapper’s 40th birthday.
According to Billboard, the latest certifications include diamond plaques for his 2016 album Views and singles ‘In My Feelings’ and ‘Marvin’s Room’. His hit song ‘God’s Plan’ also attained double-diamond status.
The new awards increased Drake’s record to 18 diamond plaques, the highest number held by any artiste.
Several of his albums also received upgraded certifications. More Life reached six-times platinum, Certified Lover Boy five-times platinum, Scorpion nine-times platinum, Care Package platinum, and So Far Gone three-times platinum.
His album ICEMAN, released in May, was certified five-times platinum.
Among the singles recognised were ‘Knife Talk’, which reached eight-times platinum; ‘Way 2 Sexy’, four-times platinum; ‘Girls Want Girls’, three-times platinum; and ‘Fair Trade’, five-times platinum.
‘First Person Shooter’ and ‘IDGAF’ both reached double-platinum status, while ‘One Dance’ climbed to 15-times platinum.
The latest achievement reinforces Drake’s commercial success across albums and singles, with his catalogue continuing to accumulate certifications years after the release of several of his biggest hits.
The rapper began his 40th birthday celebrations with a dinner overlooking Toronto’s CN Tower and an appearance at the Toronto Raptors’ home opener. He was also spotted in New York on Thursday.
Drake turned 40 on Saturday, October 24.
Discussion0