The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) unveiled its Class of 2023 this week, highlighting the artists who have made the biggest impact with their music over the past year, with its latest inductees gaining recognition from the institution for achievement in top album sales and singles, first-time placement and more.
K-pop has a clear presence in this year’s class, with several Billboard chart-toppers making the cut. Both Stray Kids and TOMORROW X TOGETHER earned Gold certifications for the first time, with 5-Star and The Name Chapter: Temptation, respectively, with the latter group sharing in a statement, “It means so much to us to not only be certified Gold, but also be part of this program with amazing artists. We wouldn’t be able to join them without all of the love and support we receive from the world.”
Jung Kook and Jimin of BTS, who both released solo material for the first time this year, earned platinum certifications for the first time with their singles “Seven (feat. Latto)” and “Like Crazy” selling over 1 million units each. Other chart-topping singles that made the cut for platinum status include PinkPantheress and Ice Spice’s “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2,” Raye and 070 Shake’s “Escapism” and GloRilla and Hitkidd’s “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).”
SZA earned the most certifications with 15 titles, with her album SOS becoming the top album of 2023 for going 3x platinum and single “Kill Bill” going 5x platinum. Latin also scored big on the list, with Peso Pluma’s Génesis earning the highest album certifications for a first-time artist, Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito becoming the top Latin album after going 5x platinum and Carin Leon & Grupo Frontera’s “Que Vuelvas” being named top Latin single.
“This is truly one of our favorite times of the year – the chance to commemorate extraordinary firsts!” RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne said in a press release. “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!”
Ice Spice represented for hip-hop with “In Ha Mood” and breakthrough hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” by securing Gold status, and Luke Combs represented country with his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” being the highest-certified country single.
“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,” RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazie added in the release. “These albums and singles earned coveted RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications because they reflect the very best!”
See the full RIAA Class of 2023 here.
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