Fifty-seven artists earn first-time certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America
Since 1958, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has celebrated artists whose music captivates generations and hits significant US streaming and sales thresholds as fans engage in more ways than ever before. Today marks a special year-end moment when the top albums, singles and first-timers are recognized for their massive achievements. #RIAAClassOf 2023 touts 57 breakout artists who earned their first Gold & Platinum certifications in 2023 with a list spanning three albums and 48 singles.
“This is truly one of our favorite times of the year – the chance to commemorate extraordinary firsts! This kind of certification represents the incredible connection between artists, record labels, creative partners and fans. We are continually amazed by the unique talents who break through and are honored to recognize the RIAA Class Of 2023 … we can’t wait to celebrate their next big milestones!” says RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne.
A culmination of those who commanded playlists with #RIAATopCertified music, the complete Year-End list boasts 11 albums and 59 singles were released and awarded in 2023. Sza secured the pinnacle spot across all genres with the most certified titles, the Top Album with 3x Platinum SOS and Top Single with 5x Platinum “Kill Bill” via Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records.
“Music moves culture and has the power to connect like never before. The RIAA is so proud to acknowledge the impact of incredible voices and innovative engagement that captivated fans in 2023. These albums and singles earned coveted RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications because they reflect the very best!” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.
Karol G scored the Top Latin Album with 5x Platino Mañana Será Bonito via Universal Music Latino while Carin Leon & Grupo Frontera’s 28x Platino collaboration “Que Vuelvas” via Sony Latin catapulted to the Top Latin Single. Amplifying the original initiative as global music gains wider popularity, Premios de Oro y Platino was created in 2001 to recognize successful albums and singles that are more than 50% Spanish language.
Peso Pluma scored the highest album certification for a first-time artist with his Platinum collection, Génesis, on Prajin Parlay Inc.
Ice Spice holds the most titles on the Class Of 2023 list with Gold singles “Munch (Feelin’ U)” via Ice Spice/WorldStar Distribution/Create Music Group, Inc. and “In Ha Mood” via 10K Projects/Capitol Records, plus Platinum PinkPantheress collaboration “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2” via 300 Entertainment.
On the Class Of 2023 list, Megan Moroney has the highest solo certification in the country genre with 2x Platinum single “Tennessee Orange.”
Fifteen new titles by first-timers were certified Platinum for surpassing one million units and 33 Gold for reaching 500,000 units sales and streaming equivalents. Sixteen R&B/hip-hop, 12 pop, seven country, six dance/electronic, two alternative, two Latin, one Christian/Gospel one jazz, one rock and one soundtrack titles from the #RIAAClassOf 2023 were added to the prestigious Gold & Platinum program.
Jung Kook of BTS received his first RIAA solo certification for the Platinum single “Seven” featuring Latto on BigHit Music/Geffen.
Laufey has the only Jazz certification on both the Class of 2023 and Year-End lists with the Gold single “From The Start” via Laufey/AWAL.
Two-time Platinum “Fast Car” landed Luke Combs as the highest-certified country single and most titles in the genre on the Year-End list. It was released by Columbia Nashville/River House Artists.
