Since 1958, the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) has celebrated artists whose music captivates generations and hits significant U.S. 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.
See the full list here and join the conversation online with #RIAAClassOf & #LabelsAtWork in celebration of these 2023 first-timers!
“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” (Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records). Explore the entire Year-End tally here.
“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 (Universal Music Latino) while Carin Leon & Grupo Frontera’s 28x Platino collaboration “Que Vuelvas” (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.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS:
- 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)” (Ice Spice / WorldStar Distribution / Create Music Group, Inc.) and “In Ha Mood” (10K Projects / Capitol Records), plus Platinum PINKPANTHERESS collaboration “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2” (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”
- Kenshi Yonezu secured the first-ever ever full Japanese language track certified with his Gold single “Kick Back” (Milan Records / Sony Music Masterworks)
- 15 new titles by first-timers were certified Platinum for surpassing 1,000,000 units and 33 Gold for reaching 500,000 units (sales + streaming equivalents)
- 16 R&B/Hip-Hop, 12 Pop, 7 Country, 6 Dance/Electronic, 2 Alternative, 2 Latin, 1 Christian/Gospel 1 Jazz, 1 Rock and 1 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 Platinum single “Seven” feat. Latto on BIGHIT Music / Geffen
- Laufey has the only Jazz certification on both the Class of 2023 and Year-End lists with Gold single “From The Start” (Laufey / AWAL)
- SZA has the most certifications with 15 titles, including the Top Album with 3x Platinum SOS and Top Single with 5x Platinum “Kill Bill” (Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records)
- 2x Platinum “Fast Car” (Columbia Nashville / River House Artists) landed Luke Combs as the highest certified Country single and most titles in the genre on the Year-End list
RIAA CLASS OF 2023 ARTIST REACTIONS:
“I’m glad to be a part of RIAA’s Class Of 2023! I’m so lucky to be a part of the Gold and Platinum program. I’m going to be the best producer in the world … just watch this!” – ARIZONATEARS
“Having a Gold or Platinum record is iconic! It’s the work of your team. It’s the support of the fanbase. It is everything to me, and to be a part of the program is on my vision board.” – COCO JONES
“My song ‘Dutton Ranch Freestyle’ was certified Gold … that is insane! I am so honored, so stoked. I have been working a very long time and dreaming of having a plaque on my wall. Platinum, I’m coming for you next! RIAA, thank you!” – DAVID MORRIS
“We are super excited to be a part of the RIAA’s Class Of 2023. We’ve had so much fun watching the journey that ‘Jiggle Jiggle’ has been on and we feel honored to have made something that so many people have enjoyed.” – DUKE & JONES
“I’m excited to receive my first plaque and to be a part of the RIAA Class of 2023. This is our first of many awards and I want to thank everyone who supports Campsouth Records!” – HITKIDD
“The RIAA is the epitome of quality in recorded music and for me to be a small part of the class of 2023 is a huge, huge honor. I’ve been making my own music for ten years now and to be a part of this club has just proven to me that anything is possible. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. Long live Country and Western music!” – IAN MUNSICK
“Being a part of the RIAA Class Of 2023 is such an honor and the best surprise I could ask for. It feels so surreal to be recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America among so many incredibly talented artists, I’m more than grateful.” – ISABEL LAROSA
“I owe this absolutely to Chainsaw Man. Not that it feels real yet, but I was just happy to receive this news. I have listened to American pop music a lot since I was a child, and being embraced over here is really a pleasure for me. If people who don’t understand Japanese can listen to this song and feel something good about it, I think my work has paid off.” – KENSHI YONEZU
“Honestly, I’m blessed to be getting my first certification with RIAA. I’m getting my flowers while I can still smell them and I’m so grateful for that. It’s one of the best feelings.” – LIBIANCA
“I feel extremely honored to be included in the RIAA Class of 2023. Getting my first Gold & Platinum records was a milestone that I have only dreamed of hitting, and I feel very lucky to have it actually be a reality now!” – LIZZY MCALPINE
“I feel extremely grateful to be in the RIAA Class of 2023. I am so thankful for my fans who continue to support me and my music, this wouldn’t be possible without them! Thank you, RIAA for this honor!” – MEGAN MORONEY
“It means so much to me to be part of the Gold & Platinum program because it represents all the hard work and dedication I have put into my music career. I’m really excited to continue creating music that resonates with people. Thank you to all of my supporters and RIAA for this incredible honor. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” – ØNEHEART
“I’m super excited to be part of the RIAA Class of 2023. It has been an extremely exciting year and accomplishing this milestone was a dream and I feel very honored. I’m excited to keep giving the world new music in 2024!” – PESO PLUMA
“I remember watching my favorite musicians in interviews and seeing their plaques on the walls and wanting one for myself. Now it feels absolutely amazing to get it in the States! The Gold and Platinum program serves as a genuine acknowledgement of the journey that we’re on. It’s not just about the songs, it’s about us turning moments into Gold and Platinum memories. Thank you, RIAA for being a part of this incredible ride.” – ROSA LINN
“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.” – TOMORROW X TOGETHER
A testament to the artists, creative and label teams as well as the fans, check out every RIAA certification throughout the decades here.
