Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite” Earns Diamond Certification from RIAA

Kid Cudi is shining bright like a diamond

The 40-year-old part-Mexican American singer, songwriter and actor’s 2008 breakout debut hit Day ‘N’ Nite is now a diamond-certified record by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Kid CudiThe diamond certification is given to artists whose songs have moved 10 million units.

Plus, Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness,” featuring MGMT and Ratatat, earned a 12-times platinum status in the U.S., accumulating 12 million in equivalent song 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.

“Wow, the blessings keep comin. This is HUGE. Yall did this man, im so thankful to have all the support and love Ive had for the past 16 years, and Im not even thinkin about stoppin no time soon,” he wrote on X. “TO ANYONE WHO BUMPED THIS SONG AND STILL DO TO THIS DAY, I LOVE YOU!!”

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

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.”

Sebastian YatraYatra, 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 trailblazerMaria 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.

Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” Among Recordings Being Preserved as Part of Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry

Ricky Martin’s breakthrough single will be livin’ for eternity…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” will be preserved as part of the Library of CongressNational Recording Registry.

Ricky MartinMartin’s hit single, released in 1999 as part of the former Menudo singer’s English-language debut album, is part of the 2022 list of additions to the registry. 

“Livin’ La Vida Loca” reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries, and it’s considered one of Martin’s biggest hits and best-selling singles of all time.

In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks, becoming Martin’s first number one single on the chart. Additionally, it broke several records on Billboard charts.

At the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, it won a total of five awards and was nominated for several other categories, including Video of the Year, making Martin the first Latin artist in history to receive a nomination in this category.

Linda Ronstadt’s Spanish-language album Canciones de Mi Padre is also being preserved.

Released in 1987, it was the 75-year-old half-Mexican American Grammy-winning singer’s first album of Mexican traditional mariachi music. The canciones were a big part of Ronstadt’s family tradition and musical roots.

At 2.5 million copies sold in the US, the album stands as one of the biggest selling non-English language albums in American record history. It has been RIAA certified double-platinum (for over 2 million US copies sold) and also won Ronstadt the Grammy for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album.

The Buena Vista Social Club’s self-titled album has also been earmarked for preservation.

The ensemble of Cuban musicians, established in 1996, recorded the album in March 1996 and released it in September 1997. It quickly became an international success, which prompted the ensemble to perform with a full line-up in Amsterdam and New York in 1998. German director Wim Wenders captured the performance on film for a documentary—also called Buena Vista Social Club—that included interviews with the musicians conducted in Havana. Wenders’ film was released in June 1999 to critical acclaim, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary feature and winning numerous accolades including Best Documentary at the European Film Awards.

The Library of Congress said its National Recording Preservation Plan provides a blueprint to implement a comprehensive national sound recording preservation program. The National Recording Preservation Board and members of the public have nominated recordings to the National Recording Registry every year since 2002. The depth and breadth of nominations received highlights the richness of the nations” audio legacy and underscores the importance of assuring the long-term preservation of that legacy for future generations.

Here’s the list of 2022 additions to the National Recordings Registry, in chronological order:

“Harlem Strut”, James P. Johnson (1921)
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Complete Presidential Speeches (1933-45)
“Walking the Floor Over You”, Ernest Tubb (1941, single)
“On a Note of Triumph” (May 8, 1945)
“Jesus Gave Me Water”, The Soul Stirrers (1950, single)
“Ellington at Newport”, Duke Ellington (1956, album)
“We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite”, Max Roach (1960, album)
“The Christmas Song”, Nat King Cole (1961, single)
“Tonight’s the Night”, The Shirelles (1961, album)
“Moon River”, Andy Williams (1962, single)
“In C”, Terry Riley (1968, album)
“It’s a Small World”, The Disneyland Boys Choir (1964, single)
“Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, The Four Tops (1966, single)
Hank Aaron’s 715th Career Home Run (April 8, 1974)
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, Queen (1975, single)
“Don’t Stop Believin’”, Journey (1981, single)
“Canciones de Mi Padre”, Linda Ronstadt (1987, album)
“Nick of Time”, Bonnie Raitt (1989, album)
“The Low End Theory”, A Tribe Called Quest (1991, album)
“Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”, Wu-Tang Clan (1993, album)
“Buena Vista Social Club” (1997, album)
“Livin’ La Vida Loca”, Ricky Martin (1999, single)
“Songs in A Minor”, Alicia Keys (2001, album)
WNYC broadcasts for the day of 9/11 (Sept. 11, 2001)
“WTF with Marc Maron” (Guest: Robin Williams, 2010)

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

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.

Cardi BAll 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.”

Karol G to Receive Rule Breaker Award at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards

Karol G is officially a rule breaker…

Billboard has announced its 2022 Women in Music honorees, with the 30-year-old Colombian singer among those being feted.

Karol G

Karol G, who won the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist in 2018, will receive the Rule Breaker Award.

Her song “Tusa” with Nicki Minaj became an international success and was certified 28× Latin Platinum by the RIAA, staying on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for 25 weeks.

The annual Women in Music event recognizes music’s top female artists, producers and executives for their contributions to music industry and their communities.

This year’s event, hosted by Ciara, will take place on March 2 at the YouTube Theater at L.A.’s Hollywood Park and for the first time ever, tickets to attend the Women in Music Awards will be available to the public. Tickets will go on sale in February.

Bonnie Raitt will receive the Icon Award, and Gabby Barrett will receive the Rising Star Award.

Phoebe Bridgers is 2022’s Trailblazer Award recipient, and Doja Cat will be honored with the Powerhouse AwardSaweetie will receive the Game Changer Award and Summer Walker gets this year’s Chartbreaker Award.

Karol G and the rest of the honorees will perform at the annual ceremony.

Additionally, Reservoir Media’s Founder and CEO Golnar Khosrowshahi will receive the Executive of the Year Award.

“We are once again thrilled to recognize a diverse group of incredibly powerful women driving the music business and shaping pop culture,” said Billboard’s editorial director, Hannah Karp. “From legendary acts to those just beginning to make a name for themselves, these are all women pushing the envelope and inspiring fans around the world with their musicality, determination, attitude and style. We are thrilled to bring these influencers together for a night of incredible performances and inspiring conversation about the future of music.”

Billboard’s Women in Music is an annual opportunity for us to celebrate undeniably influential women from across the industry,” said Julian Holguin, president of Billboard. “From Doja Cat to Karol G, Saweetie and Bonnie Raitt, we couldn’t be more thrilled to honor this diverse group of women pushing limits and breaking down boundaries with a show stopping live event, and for the first time, invite fans to join in on the celebration in-person.”

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

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).

Cardi BThe 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

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

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:

 

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Earns Diamond Award from the RIAA

It’s a perfect 10 (million) for Mariah Carey

The half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning songstress had the perfect reaction to her latest career landmark, a Diamond Award from the RIAA.

Mariah CareyIn a celebratory tweet on Friday (December 3), the unofficial Queen of Christmas wrote, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” along with diamond and heart emoji.

In a pair of accompanying photos, Careu clutched the Diamond Award from the RIAA for 10 million in sales and streams for her perennial holiday smash, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

MC posed in front of a Christmas tableau for the shot, which was posted just days after “All I Want For Christmas Is You” topped Billboard‘s Holiday 100 ranking of the top seasonal songs of all eras, marking the 46th week it held that No. 1 position in the 51 total weeks since the list launched in 2011.

Mariah’s holiday classic has topped the tally for 31 consecutive weeks, dating to the start of the 2015-16 holiday season.

Carey’s 1994 carol crowned all three Holiday 100 component charts (with all surveys dated December 4): Holiday Streaming Songs (17.5 million U.S. streams, up 57%, in the Nov. 19-25 tracking week, according to MRC Data), Holiday Airplay (15.2 million audience impressions, up 87%) and Holiday Digital Song Sales (3,800 sold, up 42%).

https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/1466767168679428097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1466767168679428097%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.billboard.com%2Fmusic%2Fpop%2Fmariah-carey-celebrates-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-diamond-certification-1235005591%2F

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

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).

Jhay Cortez

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.

 

Paloma Mami’s Debut Album “Sueños de Dali” Certified Gold by RIAA

Paloma Mami is golden

The 21-year-old Chilean American singer has achieved an exciting milestone this week with her debut Spanglish studio album, Sueños de Dali, named one of Billboard’s Best Latin albums of 2021 thus far.

Paloma Mami

Released on March 18, Paloma Mami’s set was certified Gold by the RIAA this week, making her the “first Latin female artist and first Chilean artist to achieve Gold certification for a debut album with no features in the United States,” according to a statement.

Paloma Mami

“Thank you to everyone who was a part of this project,” she expressed on social media. “And to everyone who simply appreciates my art and vision. I challenged myself and I achieved it.”

https://twitter.com/palomamamicl/status/1430628290373509120