Sebastián Yatra to Receive Recording Industry Association of America’s Artist of the Year Award

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastián Yatra is the Recording Industry’s all-star this year…

In honor of Latin music’s explosive growth in the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) will recognize artists, label executives and policymakers, including the 28-year-old Colombian artist, who are “driving this rise across American music, culture and society.”

Yatra, a Latin Grammy-winner and Grammy-nominee, will be recognized as the RIAA’s Artist of the Year.

Meanwhile, global superstar Gloria Estefan with the icon award; her husband, visionary producer Emilio Estefan, as industry trailblazer; Maria Fernandez, executive vp/COO of Latin Iberia at Sony Music Entertainment, as executive of the year; and U.S. Reps. Veronica Escobar and María Elvira Salazar as policymakers of the year.

“As advocates for the music community and fans ourselves, the RIAA is so grateful to acknowledge superstars and leaders who have used their voices and platforms to change the culture and break the creative mold,” said RIAA chairman/CEO Mitch Glazier in a statement. “RIAA Honors is a special moment to stop and acknowledge those forging ahead for future generations and making waves in their own right. Latin music has lit up the charts and filled playlists across the U.S. this year and we are thrilled to celebrate Gloria Estefan, Sebastián Yatra, Emilio Estefan, Maria Fernandez and Representatives Veronica Escobar and María Elvira Salazar.”

In April, it was announced that Latin music revenues in the United States exceeded $1 billion for the first time, with the RIAA reporting that the Latin market grew to $1.1 billion in 2022 — a 24% jump over the previous year’s $881 million and lifting Latin music’s overall share of the total music market from 5.9% in 2021 to 6.9%.

“This sustained expansion speaks to an openness to new artists, music and ways of listening,” said RIAA senior vp of state public policy & industry relations Rafael Fernandez Jr. “It’s also perfect timing to salute Latin Music champions during the first week of National Hispanic Heritage Month. RIAA Honors’ epic music-filled celebration adds to the excitement as other festivities and recognitions continue throughout the coming weeks.”

The RIAA Honors, will take place on September 19 in Washington, D.C.

Cardi B Makes Recording Industry Association of America History with “Invasion of Privacy” Album

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B has earned a spot in RIAA’s history books…

The 29-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar’s debut album, 2018’s Invasion of Privacy, has officially made Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) history once again.

All 13 songs on the album are now certified platinum or higher by the RIAA, making Cardi B the first female to achieve the feat.

The accomplishment further extends her initial record as the first female artist to have every track on an album RIAA certified Gold.

Her major-label debut LP with Atlantic Records is the gift that keeps on giving for Cardi, earning her a Billboard 200 No. 1, a 2019 Grammy for best rap album, a diamond-certified single “Bodak Yellow” and two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles (“Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin), among other milestones for the rapper.

Invasion of Privacy was the top female rap album of the 2010s, according to the Billboard 200 Decade-End chart.

Cardi charted 13 songs (12 from the album, minus “Bodak Yellow” after its three-week stint at the top) on the Hot 100, allowing her to pass Beyoncé for the most simultaneous titles on the ranking by a solo female.

In April 2021, Cardi B celebrated the three-year anniversary of Invasion of Privacy with a sweet message on Twitter.

“Thank you everyone that’s been showing IOP love today .It feels like a birthday lols,” she tweeted. “I get real sweet and bittersweet memories when I listen to the album, I faced many challenges thru the process and after but the outcome was beautiful and successful. Love you forever.”

Cardi B’s “I Like It” Earns Diamond Certification from Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B is collecting diamonds…

The 29-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar, who raps “I like diamonds, I like stunting, I like shining” on her smash hit single “I Like It,” has been, appropriately, diamond-certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Latin-trap summer banger, which features J Balvin and Bad Bunny, has moved 10 million units.

According to the RIAA, one equivalent song unit is equal to a single digital song sale, or 150 on-demand audio and/or video streams.

Cardi B became the first female rapper to have a diamond-certified song earlier this year with her major-label debut single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves).”

“I Like It” is now Cardi’s third diamond-certified smash, following “Bodak Yellow” and “Girls Like You” by Maroon 5, which hit the record on November 29, according to the RIAA’s website.

“OMMMMMMGGGGGGG @sanbenito @JBALVIN !!!!!!!!!” Cardi B tweeted in celebration Monday (Dec. 13) when the song officially earned diamond certification.

https://twitter.com/RIAA/status/1470491374978060288

BIA Earns Career-First RIAA-Certified Platinum Single

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

BIA is celebrating a significant career milestone…

The 30-year-old half-Puerto Rican rapper/singer and songwriter, whose real name is Bianca Miquela Landrau, has been name to the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) Class of 2021.

BIA is among 43 acts to receive their first gold, platinum or multiplatinum certification from the RIAA this year.

BIA’s hit single “Whole Lotta Money” was certified platinum this year, following its gold certification in December 2020.

But BIA isn’t the only Latinx artist to be honored…

CJ is celebrating a mult-plat hit….

The 24-year-old Puerto Rican rapper’s smash single “Whoopty” was certified multi-platinum this year after selling more than two million units.

“These awards celebrate some of the most special moments in our industry – when new voices emerge and find their place on the national stage,” RIAA CEO and chairman Mitch Glazier tells Billboard. “Music never stands still – and these dynamic breakthrough artists and the label teams supporting them are a big part of the reason why.”

A song or album reaches gold status when it achieves combined sales and/or streams of 500,000, platinum status for 1 million and multi-platinum status for 2 million or higher.

For the class of 2021, only titles released in 2020 and 2021 and certified in 2021 are eligible. Last year, 53 artists earned such a designation.

The news follows the September release of the RIAA’s half-year report that showed that recorded music revenues in the U.S. had experienced double-digit growth in the first half of 2021. Revenue grew 27% at retail over the first half of 2020 to %7.1 billion, up from $5.6 billion. Streaming accounted for 84% of all revenues.

RIAA First-Timer 2021 List
347aidan
42 Dugg
Alexander 23
BeatKing
BIA
Big Scarr
BIG30
Capella Grey
carolesdaughter
CJ
Coi Leray
Corpse
Curtis Waters
Dusty Locane
Elvie Shane
Erica Banks
Forest Blakk
Fousheé
Fredo Bang
Hotboii
Jackboy
Jelly Roll
Joel Corry
Joseph Black
jxdn
Kevo Muney
Lil Eazzyy
Lily Rose
Mooski
Morray
Nardo Wick
Nathan Evans
Olivia Rodrigo
Pooh Shiesty
Ritt Momney
Royal & the Serpent
Sada Baby
salem ilese
Sara Kays
SpotemGottem
Tai Verdes
Toosii
Zoe Wees

Go here for a full list of titles achieving gold, platinum and multiplatinum status for the first time:

Jhay Cortez’s “Christian Dior” Certified Double-Platinum by RIAA

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Jhay Cortez is seeing double…

On the heels of the release of his sophomore album Timelezz, the 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter is celebrating the news that four songs featured on the album have either received double-platinum certification or been certified gold, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Cortez’s “Christian Dior” has received the double-platinum certification from the RIAA.

Meanwhile, “Los Bo,” “Kobe En L.A.” and “En Mi Cuarto” have been certified gold.

Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” Video Hits 1 Billion Views Mark on YouTube

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a slow blow up for one of Bruno Mars‘ original hits…

The 35-year-old half-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer/songwriter’s music video for “Grenade” has reached 1 billion views on YouTube a decade after its 2010 release.

It’s now Mars’ sixth music video to have reached this milestone, following “Just the Way You Are” (1.5 billion views, 2010), “The Lazy Song“ (2 billion views, 2011), “Uptown Funk“ with Mark Ronson (4 billion views, 2014), “24K Magic“ (1.3 billion views, 2016), and “That’s What I Like“ (1.8 billion views, 2017).

Released as the second single to Mars’ 2010 debut studio album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, “Grenade” earned the singer his third Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit. It was nominated for record of the year, song of the year and best pop solo performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards, and “Grenade” was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) last October.

In the visual, Mars depicts the unrequited love he has for his girlfriend by lugging a piano through Los Angeles as a sign of the lengths he would go to for her, only to find her at home with another man, leaving him devastated.

The video’s new feat after his partnership with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic and the band’s inaugural release, “Leave the Door Open,” on March 5.

The Recording Academy has left the performance lineup open for these two past Grammy winners to join them for the 63rd annual Grammy Awards this Sunday.

Cardi B Makes History as “Bodak Yellow” Receives RIAA Diamond Certification

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B isn’t just makin’ money moves… She’s also making history.

The 28-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar’s major-label debut single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” has been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Cardi B is the first female rapper to achieve a diamond single award, according to the RIAA, meaning “Bodak Yellow” has moved 10 million units. According to the RIAA, one equivalent song unit is equal to a single digital song sale, or 150 on-demand audio and/or video streams. Cardi B reached the milestone on Monday, and her hit collaboration “WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, is halfway there with its 5x multi-platinum status as of March 3, according to the RIAA website.

Cardi B posted a video explaining how her label Atlantic Records surprised her with the plaque at a restaurant after a long, exhausting day of rehearsal.

“I just want to say thank you guys so much because without you guys, it wouldn’t have happened,” she told the Bardi Gang. “It really made my day. And it really uplifted me.”

Rebecca Black Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Her Viral Hit “Friday” with Modernized “Friday (Remix)”

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Rebecca Black is ready for a weekend-themed anniversary…

The 23-year-old half-Mexican American YouTube star and singer is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her viral smash single “Friday” in a big way.

Black revisists her debut single and remakes it into a modern pop anthem by dropping her “Friday Remix.”

It’s a glitched-out, star-studded revision of her 2011 viral hit “Friday” on the original’s 10th anniversary. Produced by Dylan Brady of 100 Gecs and featuring new vocals from Big Freedia, 3OH!3 and Dorian Electra, the new song morphs the original’s simple pop aesthetic into a hyperpop overload.

The official video arrived a few hours later.

Black’s original vocals are distorted and pitched-up to the point where they’re hardly recognizable, while Brady laces the track with a pounding bass kick and pixellated synth line to give it a fresh, modern refurbishing.

Electra joins in on the fun, giving the “story” from the original a sight detour; “It’s 7:45, we’re driving on the highway/ I got this, you got this, my friend is by my right, aye,” they sing.

By the time 3OH!3 arrives to declare that they’re “sick of living through these Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays” for the bridge, the track completely changes once again to an ethereal, synth-filled chorale. But Big Freedia quickly rips the song back into a thrumming dance rhythm, as the Queen of Bounce commands you to “Make it clap like you’re grateful/ Make it clap like you’re blessed/ Make it clap clap, dance in your backseat, ain’t nobody strapped.”

“I’d had the idea to do this remix of Friday for years leading up to now, but honestly it was also mildly insane for me to think anyone else would want to be a part of it,” Black said of the song in a statement. “As I started talking about it with other artists and producers, I couldn’t believe how stoked people were about it. I am thrilled to have some of my favorite artists (and people) as a part of this moment.”

The unexpected remix comes on the heels of yet another milestone for the viral single: On Monday, “Friday” was officially certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), meaning the single has moved more than 500,000 units.

Kid Cudi to Release Trilogy-Capping Album “Man on the Moon III: The Chosen”

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi is headed back to the Moon…

The 36-year-old half-Mexican American rapper/singer, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, will return to the moon with his trilogy-capping album Man on the Moon III: The Chosen on Friday.

And he’s not flying solo: Pop Smoke will receive a posthumous credit on “Show Out,” also featuring Skepta, while Phoebe Bridgers appears on “Lovin’ Me” and Trippie Redd joins him on “Rockstar Knights.”

On Monday, Kid Cudi shared the abstract watercolor album artwork and the 18-song track list, which is divided into four acts: “Act 1: Return 2 Madness,” “Act 2: The Rager, The Menace,” “Act 3: Heart of Rose Gold” and “Act 4: Powers.”

“In the last 10 years, Scott Mescudi has been through hell and back. After feeling like his world was over, he found hope and overcame the darkness that was plaguing his life,” the album’s liner notes read. “But happiness isn’t forever. What he thought was peace turns into a nightmare. He finds himself lost dealing with the same pain he had not felt in years. In one night, he must face himself again and fight to win back his soul from the evil Mr. Rager.”

Kid Cudi first blasted off with Man on the Moon: The End of Day in 2009. His debut studio album was certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and gained three Grammy nominations, two of which were specifically for his Billboard Hot 100 No. 3 hit “Day ‘N’ Nite.” The project’s sequel, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, arrived the following year. Now a full decade later, he’s ready to embark on the third and final leg of his expedition.

And he’s reigniting the hype with his first music video in four years, which is helmed by his frequent collaborator and renowned music video director Nabil.

Here’s the official album trailer for Man on the Moon III: The Chosen, which can be pre-ordered here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvexZz-HJkA&feature=youtu.be

The Late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes & Her TLC Mates to be Focus of A&E Network’s “Biography” Documentary

Posted on October 31, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Lisa ‘Left Eye‘ Lopes is getting the biography treatment…

The late part-Mexican American singer, music producer and dancer and her fellow TLC members will be the focus of a two-hour Biography documentary special for A&E Network in 2021. TLC is one of the top-selling girl groups of all time.

The network greenlit the feature film that tells the story of the group’s meteoric rise to fame in T-Boz and Chilli‘s own words. Oscar– and Emmy-winning director Roger Ross Williams and his One Story Up production company, with Emmy-winning producer Geoff Martz, will executive produce, with Matt Kay as director.

“As someone who has long been in awe of TLC and their musical and cultural impact, I am thrilled to be a part of bringing the story of their music, their journey, and their continuing reverence to the screen,” Williams said in a press statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with A&E, as well as filmmaker Matthew Kay, to bring this film to life. We hope this film illuminates a side of this incredible group and Tionne ‘T-Boz‘ Watkins, Lopes, and Rozonda ‘Chilli‘ Thomas that longtime fans and viewers alike have not seen before.”

The ’90s R&B trio has four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, four multi-platinum albums and four Grammy awards to their name. Their sophomore album CrazySexyCool made them the first girl group to earn a diamond-certified album by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

“The Biography banner has always focused on telling the stories of remarkable people who have had a major impact on our collective culture,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, evp and head of programming at A&E Network, in a statement. “As a revolutionary group that broke boundaries and influenced an entire generation, TLC falls directly into that category and we are honored to tell their incredible story as it has never been told before.”

On April 25, 2002, Lopes was killed in a car crash while organizing charity work in Honduras. She swerved off the road to avoid hitting another vehicle, and was thrown from her car. She was working on a documentary at the time of her death, which was released as The Last Days of Left Eye and aired on VH1 in May 2007.

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