At writing, only 81 acts in the history of recorded music can boast having earned 20 or more Gold records over their careers. The  certification threshold denotes sales equivalence of 500,000 in the United States.

And while some assume the feat is easy to accomplish given the inclusion of streaming in the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) certification tabulations, it’s still one that’s eluded Black female performers as they represent less than 10% of aforementioned tally of hitmakers.

This week, thanks to the ongoing success of Jhené Aiko‘s 2020 tune ‘A&B,’ the score increased for the ladies.

Taking to press Monday (January 23), the RIAA announced ‘Above & Beyond’ (also known as ‘A&B’) crossed its qualification line for Gold certification.

The tune, found aboard the deluxe edition of Aiko’s chart-topping third studio album ‘Chilombo,’ marks the 20th time of her career she’s seen a single reach such status.

In doing so, the GRAMMY nominee not only marks a career milestone but also joins an exclusive club of Black female hitmakers who can say they’ve accumulated at least 20 Gold-certified singles in the U.S.  The list includes Nicki Minaj (21), Whitney Houston (22), Janet Jackson (22), Doja Cat (23), Mariah Carey (34), Rihanna (55), and Beyonce (61).

Undoubtedly, the ongoing success of Jhené’s previous cuts serves as indication her loyal fans are ready for new music.  However, if the recent announcement of ‘Sleep Soul’ (a 20-track album of R&B-flavored lullabies for babies) is any sign, Aiko lovers still have a while to wait any news about official music drops.

[source]

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