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Three Albums + 48 Singles from 57 Artists Scored First-Time Gold & Platinum Certifications

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!

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 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)

“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.  

*For the purposes of this analysis, RIAA reviewed singles and albums released January 1, 2022 – November 30, 2023 and certified in 2023. Only first-time Gold & Platinum awardees were included for Class Of.  

Media Contact: Erin D. D. Burr (eburr@riaa.com)