First introduced in 1999, the coveted, elusive diamond plaque certification commemorates any record that reaches 10 million units sold. More a vestige of a past era, where physical album sales were all that existed is lieu of digital formats, legendary acts like Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, and Bruce Springsteen, were able to scoop up multiple diamond awards, while younger venerated acts like Backstreet Boys, Eminem, and even Adele, were able to secure at least one. Now, another has joined those ranks, as Kanye West nets his first RIAA diamond plague.
“Stronger” marked the second album single on West’s third studio album, the beloved smash-hit, Graduation. The Daft Punk-sampled record was certified triple platinum in 2008, just a year after its initial release. It climbed all the way to nine-times platinum in September of 2020; and now, as of October 6, 2021, the RIAA has certified “Stronger” a diamond-selling record. Having won the Grammy for “Best Rap Performance” in 2008, the Mike Dean-assisted Graduation cut is now the 59th song in recording history to be awarded a diamond plaque.
Relive the single’s timeless influence with the official music video, which features a cameo by some familiar Android beatmakers.
Featured image: Vanity Fair
