Drake elimination, fake intimidation … That part. Why the “Gimme a Hug” bars? Well, Drake just etched his name even deeper into music history, shattering another record that sets him apart from everyone else in the game. As of Wednesday, May 28, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has officially recognized the Toronto icon as the artist with the most Diamond-certified singles, a total of ten. TEN.
No one else has done it. Not even close. Not Mike Jack, not Taylor. No one else has done this.
“Drake has the most RIAA Diamond Certifications of any artist, ever,” the RIAA announced in a celebratory social media post, featuring a striking visual of all ten of his Diamond plaques.
The newest additions to his glittering résumé are two undeniable anthems: “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and the track that started it all, “Best I Ever Had.” Each has now moved over 10 million units in the U.S. alone, earning their place in the elite Diamond club.
These latest certifications join a powerhouse lineup of previous Diamond hits that reads like a modern rap anthology: “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” “One Dance,” “Life Is Good” with Future, “No Guidance” with Chris Brown, “Love Me” with Lil Wayne, and “SICKO MODE” by Travis Scott, which Drake famously features on. And the journey isn’t over, “Nice for What,” from his Scorpion album, is currently sitting at 9x Platinum and closing in fast on the Diamond mark.
With this milestone, Drake surpasses previous record holders Garth Brooks and Post Malone, both tied at nine Diamond singles. He now becomes the first artist to ever hit double digits with Diamond certifications, not just in singles, but across both singles and albums, which is a monumental feat in any genre.
The hip-hop world wasted no time reacting. One fan summed it up in the comments:
“You just simply can’t say anything bad about this lol. N***s staring greatness in the face.”
Another chimed in with a sly nod to recent rap beefs:
“Looks like the 20v1 didn’t work out!”
Even while collecting plaques, Drake remains creatively locked in. In February, he linked with PARTYNEXTDOOR to release the moody collaborative project $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. He’s also prepping to headline all three nights of this year’s Wireless Festival in London this July, and he’s teasing fans with talk of an OVO Fest revival in his hometown of Toronto.
Ten Diamond singles are a go, and Drizzy’s not slowing down.