Drake owns new record for most diamond certified songs in RIAA history
Drake Sets RIAA History With 10 Diamond-Certified Hits
Drake has done it again. On Wednesday, the Canadian superstar reached a milestone that only the elite of the elite in music history can claim. He now holds the record for the most Diamond-certified singles in RIAA history, with an incredible 10 songs reaching the coveted 10x Platinum status.
This latest honor came as his beloved 2013 hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home” featuring Majid Jordan officially surpassed 10 million units sold in the United States, earning Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
With this achievement, Drake continues to solidify his legacy as one of the most commercially successful artists of all time. But this milestone is about more than just numbers—it’s a testament to Drake’s staying power, cultural relevance, and influence on the global music scene.
Let’s break down what this means, how he got here, and why this Diamond moment is one for the history books.
What Does Diamond Certification Mean?
Before diving into Drake’s impressive feat, it’s worth explaining what Diamond certification means.
In the U.S., the RIAA awards Diamond status to singles and albums that have sold (or the equivalent of) 10 million units. These units include a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming equivalents.
Therefore, for a single to go Diamond, it needs to achieve a rare blend of mass appeal, longevity, and repeated fan engagement. In the streaming era, hitting that 10 million mark is particularly challenging given the shift from pure sales to plays.
Only a handful of artists in history have more than a few Diamond singles—Eminem, Post Malone, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber are in that conversation. But now, Drake sits atop them all with 10 total Diamond plaques, making RIAA history.
The Diamond That Sealed It: “Hold On, We’re Going Home”
The track that secured the record for Drake is a fan favorite: “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” released in 2013 as part of his third studio album, Nothing Was the Same.
The song showcased a softer, more melodic side of Drake, blending 80s synth-pop influences with modern R&B. Featuring Toronto duo Majid Jordan, the track quickly became a radio staple and is still hailed as one of Drake’s most timeless love songs.
Moreover, its appeal spans generations, playlists, and moods—from late-night drives to wedding slow dances. The fact that it’s taken over a decade to hit Diamond only underscores its long-lasting replay value.
It’s not just a hit. It’s a classic.
A Look at Drake’s 10 Diamond Songs
With this latest addition, Drake’s Diamond-certified song list now includes:
- “God’s Plan”
- “Hotline Bling”
- “Sicko Mode” (with Travis Scott)
- “Life Is Good” (with Future)
- “One Dance” (ft. Wizkid & Kyla)
- “Work” (with Rihanna)
- “In My Feelings”
- “Started From the Bottom”
- “Nice for What”
- “Hold On, We’re Going Home” (ft. Majid Jordan)
What’s notable is the diversity among these tracks. Some are club-ready bangers, others are emo-fueled introspections, and several are genre-crossing collaborations. This diversity is a hallmark of Drake’s career — he’s a shapeshifter, able to dominate hip-hop, R&B, pop, dancehall, Afrobeat, and more.
Nothing Was the Same: A Timeless Album
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” was a standout track from Nothing Was the Same, one of Drake’s most critically acclaimed projects.
Released in September 2013, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and included other hits like “Started From the Bottom” and “Too Much.” It marked a turning point in his artistry — transitioning from hungry rapper to introspective hitmaker with global reach.
To this day, Nothing Was the Same is considered a fan-favorite and remains influential in shaping the emotional tone of modern hip-hop and R&B hybrids.
How Drake Built a Diamond-Level Career
Drake’s commercial dominance isn’t an accident — it’s the result of consistent innovation, smart collaboration, and cultural awareness.
Here’s how he got here:
- Streaming Strategy: Drake was one of the first artists to fully embrace streaming. His 2016 album Views and 2018’s Scorpion shattered Spotify and Apple Music records.
- Cross-Genre Influence: From dancehall-infused tracks like “Controlla” to UK drill anthems like “War,” Drake taps into global sounds.
- Viral Moments: Drake knows how to create cultural waves. Think the “In My Feelings” challenge, “Hotline Bling” memes, or dropping surprise albums like If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
- Collaborations: Whether it’s Rihanna, Future, Travis Scott, or Bad Bunny, Drake chooses his collaborators wisely — and often helps boost them into new territory.
- Relatability: His lyrics mix braggadocio with emotional vulnerability. That combo has kept fans connected to him for over 15 years.
What This Means for Hip-Hop and the Music Industry
As a result, Drake’s latest Diamond milestone signals something bigger than just his own legacy.
It shows how hip-hop has become the dominant global genre. Once considered niche or rebellious, hip-hop now consistently produces the biggest chart-toppers and most consumed songs in the world.
Drake’s success also highlights the impact of streaming-era dynamics, where artists who can maintain relevance across years and platforms are rewarded with long-tail sales like this. It’s not just about first-week numbers — it’s about whether people are still playing your songs 10 years later.
What’s Next for Drake?
In typical Drake fashion, this record-breaking news comes while he’s already rumored to be working on new music. He recently wrapped his It’s All a Blur Tour and has been spotted in the studio with several artists, fueling speculation about another album in the pipeline.
Additionally, Drake has ventured more deeply into the business world with his OVO Sound label, clothing collaborations, and even real estate ventures. As his music legacy grows, so does his footprint beyond it.
And of course, fans are eagerly watching for what kind of surprise he might drop next — whether it’s a new single, an unexpected feature, or a full-length project.