Here Are the Rappers Going Platinum in 2017

Record sales may not seem as important as they used to be, but going platinum is still a pretty big deal, and more than a few rappers have accomplished that rarified feat in the early stages of 2017.

Riding the momentum of a Childish Gambino shout-out, the Migos started the new year on a high note when their hit single, “Bad and Boujee,” earned a platinum certification. Gambino, who compared the ascendant rap trio to the Beatles just hours after he took home two trophies at the Golden Globe Awards in January, also saw his 2011 track “Heartbeat” achieve platinum status this year.

The success of Migos and Gambino was years in the making. Lil Yachty‘s ascent? Not so much. The ATLien hasn’t been on the scene for much longer than a year, but that didn’t stop his Lil Boat track “1Night” from earning platinum status by the end of February. Not bad for a newcomer.

Kendrick Lamar is another case of a song he dropped in 2015 having some serious staying power. His To Pimp a Butterfly track “Alright” has more in common with “We Shall Overcome” than it does with “Black Beatles,” but its knocking instrumental and heartfelt message helped push it to platinum status last month. His TDE labelmate ScHoolboy Q‘s song “Studio” also went platinum in February.

Those are just a few rappers who’ve had songs earn a highly coveted platinum plaque from the RIAA. Today, XXL takes a look at a few others who’ve managed to do the same in 2017 so far.

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