Skillet's Victorius Debuts at No. 1 on Top Rock Charts & #17 Overall

Skillet is celebrating the No. 1 debut on both the Top Rock and Christian SoundScan charts of their latest critically-acclaimed LP, VICTORIOUS. The album also entered at No. 3 on Billboard's Top Current Album chart, and Top 20 at No. 17 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Of note, the sales for VICTORIOUS were garnered without using a concert ticket/album sale redemption offer, something quite common with many top selling albums today. Sales were achieved by traditional album sales through retailers including Walmart, as well as streaming and webstores like Spotify, Amazon and iTunes.

Marvel recently welcomed Skillet as a guest on their This Week in Marvel Podcast, and in line with such, also coming this fall, front man John Cooper recently collaborated with Z2 Comics for “Eden: A Skillet Graphic Novel” unveiling late August, which also features the bonus so
ng "Dreaming of Eden" with purchase.

NF's New Album Debuts at #1

NF has topped the Billboard charts with The Search, now the #1 album in America and the biggest-selling week for a rap album this year. Released on NF Real Music/Caroline, The Search sold 130,000 equivalent album units, with 84,000 in full album sales, making The Search the biggest selling album for a rap set this year.

This marks the rapper’s second consecutive album to land at number one on the Billboard Top 200, following 2017’s multi-platinum certified Perception. NF surprised the industry with Perception’s success, and he proved his place atop the music industry with The Search - selling more than double his previous chart-topping album. On the streaming side The Search racks up over 60 million streams in it’s first week debut.

Operating from outside of the system and against all odds, NF quietly and unassumingly ascended to the forefront of modern hip-hop on his own terms.

NF’s independently released Perception debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 as well as No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. It was the ultimate underdog story of 2017, and as Forbes noted “NF’s success speaks to what can be done these days outside of the traditional system.”

NF Releases New Single on Heels of Stratospheric Viral Impact of “When I Grow Up"

ollowing the stratospheric viral impact of the recently released “When I Grow Up , ” chart-topping rapper NF  shared a new single and music video entitled “Time” today. Listen HERE . This marks the third song issued from his forthcoming album— The Search coming July 26, 2019. Fans may pre-order the album HERE .

Recently, NF shook the internet with “When I Grow Up.” The video trended on YouTube at #1 for multiple days and racked up over 20 million global video views as well as over 12 million audio streams in less than two weeks. The first single “The Search” has amassed upwards of 30 million global audio streams and over 20 million video views to date. Both “The Search ” and “When I Grow Up ” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at #70 (NF’s highest debut ever) and #78 respectively.

 

Following the arrival of The Search, the artist will launch the 29-date headline run, The Search Tour . It kicks off on September 12 and takes NF across North America, culminating with his debut at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre on October 13 and wrapping up in California October 26.

 

 

Every online ticket order of 2 or more tickets for the 2019 U.S. NF headline tour will include 1 physical CD copy of NF’s forthcoming album The Search . Tickets and tour information available at nfrealmusic.com . 

 

Operating from outside of the system and against all odds, NF quietly and unassumingly ascended to the forefront of modern hip-hop on his own terms. His independently released, Perception, shocked the industry by debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and shone a light on a fervent fan-driven movement surrounding the artist. It also bowed at #1 on the Top Rap Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. It represented the ultimate underdog story of 2017, as chronicled by  The New York Times,  Rolling Stone and Forbes, with the latter noting, “NF’s success speaks to what can be done these days outside of the traditional system.”

 

Now certified Platinum in the U.S., Perception has earned more than two million album equivalent units worldwide while cumulative streams have surpassed 3.5 billion. Singles like “Let You Down” – 3x Platinum and a No. 1 Pop radio hit in the U.S., and certified Platinum or higher in seven additional countries – “Lie” and “If You Want Love” further expanded NF’s fanbase, paving the way for his sold-out, 87-date 2018 Perception World tour of North America and Europe, numerous festival appearances and the direct support slot on Logic’s Bobby Tarantino Vs Everybody arena tour.

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.

Josh Turner's 'I Serve A Savior' Debuts at No. 1 Atop Nielsen's Country Albums Chart

Josh Turner's I Serve A Savior earned debut placements across multiple charts, including No. 1 on Nielsen's Country Albums Chart and No. 2 on both Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart and Top Christian Albums Chart. The complementing live performance DVD also secured the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Music Video Chart and Christian Music Video Chart. Praise for the faith-filled project continues to pour in, with Worship Musician calling the album "musically brilliant, yet refreshingly restive" and Music Row applauding the singer's "earthen baritone." 

"This project was truly a dream come true," commented Turner. "It's something I have wanted to do for a long time.  God opened the door and I walked through it.  When I look back, this will be one of my favorite projects of my career."

I Serve A Savior marks Turner's first appearance on Billboard's Christian charts, but is the eighth top ten appearance on Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart for the multi-platinum-selling singer.

Adding a new dimension to the GRAMMY® nominee's already acclaimed career, the faith-based collection produced by Kenny Greenburg includes hand-picked hymns, alongside brand-new originals and live recordings of some of Turner's most memorable hits including "Me and God" and "Long Black Train." A portion of the 90-minute live performance DVD released in addition to the project will continue to air this fall on numerous networks throughout the U.S. and Canada. Click here for more information on networks and air times.

On the heels of his release, Turner will be returning to Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium for back-to-back Opry performances tomorrow, Nov. 06 at 7:00PM CT, and again at 9:30PM CT. As one of the youngest members inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, Turner will be performing songs off his latest project. For tickets and more information, go to www.opry.com.

TobyMac's 'The Elements' Charms Critics and Debuts Top 5

TobyMac has once again taken the top spot on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart and debuted Top 5 on Billboard's Top Albums Chart with his latest studio recording, The Elements. Being described as "brave," "compelling" and "fresh," media has taken notice of the latest from the 7X Grammy winner.

"It's electronic arena rock sounds right in step with the millennials in Twenty One Pilots or Imagine Dragons." -- USA Today & The Tennessean

"The Elements is a true work of musical art. It is raw, authentic and powerful." -- Digital Journal

"The new record features his signature catchy hooks, but adds a reflective and slightly somber tone, the result of his experience the past few years."- Guideposts

Among the most talked about tracks on the record is "Starts With Me" centered around racial unity. Tennessean called it "overt," Music Row notes it as "the most arresting on the album" and CBN called it a "powerful one." "Scars" which he shared with Billboard upon the announcement of The Elements was "closest" to him, has also been one of the most asked about on the project -- including from CCM which noted him as the innovative music man.

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.

'Mary, Did You Know?' Reaches Platinum Status

The modern Christmas classic "Mary, Did You Know?," penned by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene over 25 years ago, has attained platinum status. A cappella group Pentatonix took the beloved song to the top of the charts this time, reaching over 1 million units sold in the US. The three-time Grammy Award winners recorded "Mary, Did You Know?" on a double-platinum album, entitled That's Christmas To Me.

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.

MercyMe's LIFER Hits No. 10 on Billboard Top 200

MercyMe's LIFER debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 1 on Billboard Christian Album Charts. Throughout its release week it reached as high as No. 2 on the overall iTunes and Amazon Music Charts. LIFER also pulled in No. 1s internationally, garnering the highest chart placement on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in India, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Italy. The GRAMMY nominees latest chart topper follows a string of top releases for the band, including the RIAA Gold Certified Welcome To The New.

MercyMe appeared on FOX & Friends to perform their hit single 'Even If' the day after the album dropped.

"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."