Drake has solidified his reign as a music industry titan, becoming the first artist in history to earn 10 RIAA Diamond-certified singles. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed this groundbreaking achievement on Wednesday, (May 27th), with two of his enduring classics, “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Best I Ever Had,” reaching Diamond status. This milestone propels him past country legend Garth Brooks and fellow hip-hop superstar Post Malone.
The RIAA awards Diamond certification to singles and albums that reach 10 million equivalent units, combining physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming metrics. Drake’s 10 Diamond singles—a feat unmatched by any other artist—include chart-toppers like “God’s Plan,” “One Dance,” and “Hotline Bling.”
This achievement surpasses Garth Brooks’ 9 Diamond-certified albums, including No Fences (17× platinum) and Double Live (21× platinum), and Post Malone’s 9 Diamond-certified singles, such as “Sunflower” and “Rockstar.”
“Drake’s record-breaking 10 Diamond singles reflect his unmatched influence in the streaming era,” said an RIAA spokesperson. “His ability to create timeless hits has redefined commercial success in music.”
Drake’s journey to this milestone began with his 2009 breakout mixtape So Far Gone, which introduced his signature blend of rap, R&B, and pop. Over the years, albums like Take Care (2011), Views (2016), and Scorpion (2018) have produced a string of global anthems, cementing his cultural and commercial dominance.
His latest Diamond certifications highlight the enduring popularity of his early work, with “Best I Ever Had” from 2009 and “Hold On, We’re Going Home” from 2013 still resonating with fans worldwide.
The significance of Drake’s achievement lies in its rarity. Diamond certification is a high bar, requiring artists or labels to request audits of sales and streaming data. Drake’s 10 singles represent a decade-plus of consistent hits, outpacing peers in an industry transformed by streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Post Malone, who held the previous record for Diamond singles with 9, congratulated Drake on social media, posting, “Big respect to [Drake] for raising the bar!” Meanwhile, Garth Brooks remains the leader in Diamond-certified albums, a testament to his monumental impact on country music.
Industry analysts see Drake’s milestone as a defining moment for hip-hop and pop. “Drake has not only dominated the charts but also shaped how music is consumed today,” said music historian Dr. Elena Carter. “His ability to blend genres and create universal hits is unmatched.”
As fans celebrate this historic achievement, anticipation builds for Drake’s upcoming solo album, reportedly titled ‘ICEMAN,’ which is expected to drop soon.