Drake’s “Views” Goes Diamond
Originally published by AllHipHop Read the original
Drake added fresh RIAA awards across his catalog in an October 23 certification update that covered albums and singles.
The association’s records listed More Life at six times platinum, Certified Lover Boy at five times and Scorpion at nine times. Care Package reached platinum, while So Far Gone climbed to three times platinum.
Billboard reported that Views went diamond, making him the first artist to surpass 350 million RIAA-certified units, with 30 new awards.
Views put Drake’s Toronto roots at the center of a sprawling album. The 2016 release was his fourth studio album. Across 20 songs, Drake worked with producer Noah “40” Shebib on a mix of rap, R&B and dancehall that kept Toronto close.
“Controlla” drew on dancehall, while “Redemption” and “Fire & Desire” leaned into R&B samples and electronic drums. Rihanna appeared on “Too Good.” Toronto ran through the project, from its early title, Views From The 6, to references to the city’s transit system and local businesses.
AllHipHop reported last year that Views had reached nine times platinum. That certification round also included diamond awards for “Headlines,” “Passionfruit” and “Nonstop.”
The RIAA’s numbers reflect music bought or streamed in the United States. Sales abroad do not count toward those awards. Its diamond threshold is 10 million units. That total includes more than physical album purchases.
Under the association’s rules, 150 eligible streams count as one download for a digital single award. Albums use a different formula: 1,500 song streams or 10 track sales equal one album sale. That means a single’s certified total and an album’s certified total use different measures.
Streams can qualify through both paid subscriptions and ad-supported free services. The services must be authorized and report their figures to record labels. Official label videos can count, too. Fan-made uploads do not qualify.
Certifications require an application and a review by an independent auditing firm. Applicants must supply sales and streaming figures to show that a title met the award’s threshold.
Among other October 23 updates, “Knife Talk” reached eight-time platinum. “First Person Shooter” and “IDGAF” each reached twice platinum.
