Matthew West's Platinum Motions

Capitol Christian Music Group surprised Matthew West with an RIAA certified platinum (1 million single sales) plaque commemorating his landmark song, "The Motions." No. 1 at Christian airplay for eight weeks with over 170 million global streams, the hit single marks West's first career RIAA certified platinum single.

TobyMac Celebrates Sixth Consecutive RIAA Gold Certification

Two weeks before TobyMac's The Elements hits, the 7X GRAMMY® winner is unveiling the newest single "Scars," a track that is admittedly close to the artist. Processing life as a believer, husband, father and artist fueled the cultivation of his upcoming album, available Oct. 12. 

TobyMac was honored with the RIAA certification for his sixth solo gold record - the Grammy winning THIS IS NOT A TEST - in his hometown of Nashville. The honor comes two weeks before the multi-platinum selling artist drops The Elements, his first new album in three years. 

The Elements boasts TobyMac's biggest song in six years, "I just need U." along with the current radio favorite "Everything" which is currently No. 3 at Hot AC, No. 9 at AC Indicator, No. 8 at Christian Airplay and No. 12 at AC Monitored. 

Lauren Daigle's 'Look Up Child' Debuts at #3 on Billboard Top 200

Lauren Daigle's new album Look Up Child debuted this past week at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, behind only Eminem and Paul McCartney, setting personal and industry chart highs for the Grammy nominated, platinum selling vocalist. The story was different on the digital charts though, as Look Up Child debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes digital sales chart. A new making of video from Lauren's time in the studio is now available here: https://youtu.be/4Rwie0iDLXc.

In a week of firsts for her genre, Lauren teamed up with music streaming services such as Amazon, Apple Music and Spotify, to promote Look Up Child with billboards in Times Square and Nashville and even a special Second Line parade in her hometown of New Orleans.

Lauren, who also received a nomination for an American Music Award this past week, has also seen her first single debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #53, No. 5 on Billboard's all-genre Digital Song Sales List, and No. 2 on the all genre iTunes Chart. The official video has received over 20 million views in the first few weeks of its release and continues to climb the Billboard charts.

Phil Wickham Surprised with Plaque for RIAA Platinum Certified 'This Is Amazing Grace'

While recording with Spotify in Nashville, Phil Wickham was surprised by FairTrade Services with an RIAA certified platinum (1 million single sales & streams) plaque for his landmark song, "This Is Amazing Grace." The plaque was presented to Wickham while recording exclusive songs for the Spotify Singles program at Sound Stage Studios on Music Row.
 

How Can It Be Platinum

Lauren Daigle's debut album, How Can It Be, is one of only five albums in the Christian genre to attain Platinum status since 2003, and the first from a female artist since 2001.

How Can It Be was quite an introduction for Daigle, who has received critical acclaim and recognition as the fastest-selling new artist for her genre of the decade. 

Last year she crossed genre lines when she was featured on the soundtrack of  Bladerunner 2049, as well as on country music legend Reba McEntire's album. In addition, Daigle was recognized on two of Forbes' 30 Under 30 lists.

Zach Williams Has a Gold "Chain Breaker"

Earlier this year Zach Williams' "Chain Breaker" became RIAA Certified Gold. Earlier this week in Nashville, Williams was presented with the official gold plaque, surrounded by his family and fellow songwriters Mia Fieldes and Jonathan Smith.

When it released in the early fall of 2016, "Chain Breaker" was an instant hit, holding the #1 spot at radio for an astounding 15 weeks. The song was then followed by "Old Church Choir," which became the most successful Christian radio single in over a decade, maintaining #1 at radio for 20 weeks and was the second longest running #1 single in Billboard's Christian radio history, naming Williams the first debut artist to have two back-to-back #1 singles. His current single, "Fear Is A Liar," continues to stay in the top of the radio charts as well, currently holding at #2. The songs are all featured on Chain Breaker, Williams' GRAMMY Award-winning debut.


Last evening in Nashville, Williams was awarded by BMI with a Citation of Achievement for "Chain Breaker," recognizing the song for its national popularity and reach. Just prior to the BMI Awards, Williams performed at the Historic Ryman Auditorium in front of a sold-out audience, closing out his set with the anthemic hit song.

Andy Mineo's Single "You Can't Stop Me" RIAA Certified Gold

Andy Mineo's colossal hit, “You Can’t Stop Me” recently moved the equivalent of more than 500,000 copies, which includes over 51 million streams to date, and is officially certified GOLD by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). According to Spotify data, of the 500,000 units required to make gold, their curated playlist, Beast Mode, is responsible for 100,000 of those units alone. The power of playlisting in the digital era continues to change the game for indie artists.

“I told my mom I went gold and she didn’t know what that meant and I was immediately humbled,” said Andy. “It’s Incredible we did this without any radio play. A small, dedicated team from Reach Records and Miner League gave this record all they had and the organic sharing of my fans started this wave. It shows that without my fans I wouldn’t be able to do this music thing for a living. Shout out to the playlist programmers who gave the record a chance. I’m thankful for everyone who believed, felt encouraged, and shared the record. I dedicate this to 11-year-old Braydon who made ‘You Can’t Stop Me’ his theme song for beating cancer, and everyone else who has used the song to push through tough times.”

Mineo wrote the song with Alex Medina and Gabriel Azucena (GAWVI), and Medina and GAWVI produced the track for Mineo’s Never Land EP. Since its release the song has garnered much attention, even winning ESPN’s coveted Whammy Award for best walk-up song in baseball. In 2017, the NBA’s Indiana Pacers announced they would be using the “You Can’t Stop Me” single as their official 2017/2018 theme song. The music video, released on January 16, 2015, has garnered more than 9 million views across social channels.

NF Is Taking Over the World

NF's breakout single, "Let You Down," earning RIAA platinum certification for total consumption in excess of 1 million singles sold-combining equivalent traditional sales and on-demand audio and video streams. The song has more than 500 million worldwide streams.


2017 saw a seven-year upward success story pay off in a big way for Michigan rapper NF, punctuating his unassuming rise to becoming one of hip-hop's household names. The rapper just surpassed one billion total streams across his career, including more than 700 worldwide streams for his latest album, Perception. "Let You Down" staked out a spot in the Top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100, signaling another first for the artist. It simultaneously hit #2 on Shazam's Top 10 as well.

Next up, NF takes Perception on the road with the 2018 Perception World Tour beginning January 23. 36 of the 44 dates have already sold out, with remaining tickets going fast. Fans can visit nfrealmusic.com for the Perception World Tour tickets.

"Let You Down" has served as a gateway for countless new fans to experience NF's third full-length album, Perception, which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. Upon arrival, it sent shockwaves throughout the culture at large as chronicled by Forbes, Billboard, New York Times, Rolling Stone, and many more. The song has reached platinum status in the United States, Sweden (3x Platinum), The Netherlands (2x Platinum), New Zealand (2x Platinum), Ireland (2x Platinum), Canada, Australia and Italy.

In addition, five album tracks have already exceeded 7 million Spotify streams each as he regularly averages over 20 million monthly listeners and emerges among the "Top 60 Most Listened To Artists in the World" currently on the platform.

As part of his quiet culture infiltration, NF (a.k.a. Nathan Feuerstein) has fast become a streaming phenomenon due to overwhelming fan support. Thanks in part to that same fan movement, NF's third studio album, Perception, exceeded expectations to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200, marking not only the rapper's first chart topping release, but also his first release to debut in the Top 10 and cementing Perception's accomplishment as a genuine underdog victory. With more than 35 career syncs to date, including looks on ESPN, FOX, Monday Night Football, VH1 and more, NF and his Real Music movement are here to stay.

Skillet's Feel Invincible Certifiable Gold

Skillet’s album Awake was recently certified double platinum by the RIAA, one of only two Christian artists to receive this distinction in the last decade. That album spawned the double-platinum single “Monster” and that song earned the distinction of being the most-streamed rock song of 2015. The videos from the Awake are collectively approaching a HALF OF A BILLION views on YouTube.

Skillet will hit the road on twelve-week arena tour starting January 5, 2018 headlining the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular.

2017 has been a landmark year for Skillet. The band dominated the Billboard Year End charts for 2017 landing at #1 on the Christian Streaming Songs Artists (have held the #1 spot since the charts inception in 2014); #1, #4, #6, and #10 on the Christian Streaming Songs (have held the #1 spot since the charts inception in 2014), #7 Rock Streaming Artist, and #11 Rock Streaming Songs as well as numerous others.

The debut single from Unleashed, “Feel Invincible,” was recently certified gold by the RIAA. The song went to #1 on the Active Rock charts and the video for the song has been viewed over 67 million times on YouTube. The WWE, NFL, MLB, World Cup Of Hockey, Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Sports Awards and Rock Band 4 also used the song in various promotions.

Casting Crowns Celebrates Selling 10 Million Albums!

Casting Crowns celebrated their 10 million albums sold achievement last week with industry friends and family in downtown Nashville. The group joins a small and elite group of Christian artists as they surpass 10 million albums sold. 


"It is amazing to see how God has used a group of ordinary youth and worship pastors who wanted to write songs for our church. Now, 14 years later we still write songs for our church but are blessed how God has taken these songs across the world. I always say that a song can change someone's day, but only God can change someone's life. That is what I hope we are able to do - help change someone's day but also be the body that God can use to help change someone's life. We just want to keep writing and singing songs as long as God gives them to us.”
- Mark Hall, Casting Crowns frontman

Lauren Daigle Surprised with Gold

Marking the achievement of 500,000 units sold, Daigle’s single “Trust In You” was given RIAA certification in May 2017; her single “How Can It Be” garnered the same recognition in November 2016. This milestone achievement of two Gold singles coming from a debut album (which also went Gold) is unprecedented for a female CCM artist. 

Daigle expressed how this honor resonates with her not just professionally, but personally: 

“’Trust In You’ and ‘How Can It Be’ are two songs I often return to when I feel in the thick of difficulty. They remind me of a grace that outruns any mistake, any amount of shame that arises in this race. They remind me to life my eyes to the one most Sovereign,” Daigle expressed. “I’m so honored that so many people have been impacted by these truths just as I have. There is nothing like singing these songs live with an audience that’s singing louder than myself. I’m grateful to see the unending response and thankful for all of the support. It continues to stun me!”

for King & Country Strike RIAA Gold Three Times!

for KING & COUNTRY have struck gold as the Recording Industry Association of America has certified the group’s current album Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong Gold, signifying sales of 500,000 albums. In addition, for KING & COUNTRY’s single, “The Proof Of Your Love,” from the band’s debut album Crave, and “Fix My Eyes,” the first single from Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong were also certified Gold by the RIAA.
 
for KING & COUNTRY is the only artist in Christian music to receive both a Gold album and two Gold single certifications from the RIAA this year.

"Break Every Chain" is Golden

Motown Gospel is celebrating the gold certification of “Break Every Chain,” the ground-breaking single by Tasha Cobbs.  The award was granted by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to commemorate sales of more than 500,000 units.

Cobbs received a gold plaque Saturday in Las Vegas during a surprise presentation by Ken Pennell, President of Gospel Music for Capitol Christian Music Group. “With the changing climate of the music industry it’s rare that we have the opportunity for moments like this in gospel,” Pennell said. Speaking before a crowd of artists, songwriters, and industry executives at the Motown Gospel-ASCAP Morning Glory Breakfast, Pennell elaborated, “While many in our marketplace are still hesitant to embrace streaming, Tasha’s growing streaming presence enabled us to carry her music to audiences around the world and to cross this important threshold.”

Named by Billboard Magazine as the Most Streamed Gospel Artist and Top Female Gospel Artist of 2016, Cobbs is currently at work on new music for her upcoming project "Heart. Passion. Pursuit."

A Present for Casting Crowns as a Fifth Album Goes Platinum

Casting Crowns has been awarded RIAA Platinum certification for their Christmas album "Peace On Earth." This marks their fifth career Platinum certification in addition to their 2x multi-Platinum album, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, seven RIAA Gold albums, four Gold DVDs, one RIAA Platinum single and five RIAA Gold certified digital singles. The group continues to hold the position as Billboard's top-selling act in Christian music since 2007 with more than 10 million album sales.

Tamela Mann's "Take Me To The King" Certified Platinum

Tamela Mann's single "Take Me To The King" has received RIAA platinum certification with more than one million singles sold. The song, written and produced by long-time friend Kirk Franklin, marked the first collaboration between Tamela and Franklin since launching her solo career. "God Provides," the follow-up collaboration to the platinum single reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Gospel Radio chart this week. Written and produced by Kirk Franklin, the No. 1 track "God Provides" is the sophomore single from Tamela's Billboard chart-topping No. 1 album One Way.


One Way marks Tamela's fourth solo studio album and is executively produced by Tamela, her husband & actor David Mann and son David Mann Jr.

MercyMe's Welcome To The Gold

MercyMe's Welcome To The New has been honored with RIAA Gold Certification, marking the sixth gold album for the band in addition to a double platinum album and a platinum video. Welcome To The New earned two Grammy nods, multiple Dove Award honors and an American Music Award nomination. In addition, the album boasts three No. 1 singles with "Greater," "Flawless" and "Dear Younger Me," and one Top 5 single with "Shake." MercyMe is planning to unveil a new record in 2017.

"In a day when receiving a gold record has become so rare, we are humbled and honored that our fans have supported this album in such a way," shares the band.

Tenth Avenue North Over and Underneath with Gold

Tenth Avenue North releases their fifth studio project, Followers, while their label announced that the band has also been awarded its first RIAA gold certification -- for their album Over And Underneath. This project was the group's national label debut that birthed their hit songs "Love Is Here," "By Your Side" and "Hold My Heart."

Lecrae's Gold Is No Anomaly

Lecrae celebrates the RIAA Gold Certification of his breakthrough album Anomaly. Anomaly debuted at #1 on the coveted Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The Atlanta-based artist, community leader, activist and entrepreneur has helped to revive the genre's conscious sensibility with his message of inspiration.

Nominated for multiple awards throughout his career, Lecrae has blazed an unchartered path, winning two Grammy Awards. His hit single "All I Need Is You" from Anomaly garnered across-the-board acclaim, earning a 2015 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Anomaly - Lecrae's 7th album to date - at #12 on their list of the Best 40 Albums Of The Year.

This summer Lecrae celebrated the release of his memoir, Unashamed, which immediately debuted as a New York Times Best Seller landing in the Top 10 of the Nonfiction category. It was also announced that the groundbreaking rap artist had signed a deal with Columbia Records and his own label, Reach Records. 

Lauren Daigle's Golden Debut

Lauren Daigle's debut album How Can It Be was certified gold by the RIAA last week.

With half a million units sold since last year's release, the album continues to smash charts and be a huge success. How Can It Be brought Daigle a Grammy nomination in 2016 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Lauren also leads the pack for the 2016 Dove Awards with six nominations.

Amy Grant & Tori Kelly Release New Version of "Baby Baby" on 25th Anniversary

Baby, Baby…can you believe it’s been 25 years since Amy Grant’s album, Heart In Motion, was released? Amy became the first Christian artist to score a #1 hit in the United States when the album’s first single, “Baby Baby”, took the country by storm.

Upon its original release, “Baby Baby” reached No. 1 on both the Top 40 and Billboard Hot 100 charts, while simultaneously hitting top 10 in 10 countries. The album bearing the song (Heart In Motion) garnered four Grammy nominations and was RIAA certified 5x platinum.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of this project, Tori Kelly has recorded a new version of “Baby Baby.” Listen to it below.