MUSIC NEWS.

April 22, 2008

Flo Takes 'Low' to New Heights
WASHINGTON - Southern rap mogul FLO RIDA received the highest Gold & Platinum certification of any artist in March, according to the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) monthly G&P count. His EP 'Low' sold more than 3 million singles and 1 million ringtones to earn the Atlantic artist Gold, Platinum, and 3x multi-Platinum prestige for his chart-topping hit.
In a close second, two Atlantic artists – English singer-songwriter James Blunt and neo-soul duo Gnarls Barkley – received 2x multi-Platinum prestige for surpassing 2 million downloads of their respective singles ‘You’ re Beautiful’ and ‘Crazy.’

The highest album certification in March went to Amy Winehouse with her Back to Black album on Universal selling more than 2 million copies. While this is the doo-wop soulstress’ first multi-Platinum G&P award, she’s no stranger to recognition. Winehouse achieved back-to-back acclaim for Back to Black at February’s GRAMMY Awards, taking home five honors – the most in one night by a female solo artist, matching records held by Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Beyoncé, and Alicia Keys.

A top nod also went to ukulele playing, surf and singing sensation Jack Johnson for his fifth studio album Sleep Through the Static. The record released on Brushfire/Universal Records went both Gold and Platinum only one month after its release. The Hawaiian native’s U.S. tour kicks off this month in his home state and hits summer festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo before heading overseas.

How far they’ve come! Matchbox Twenty has scored some brass since releasing their first album in 1996, selling more that 18 million albums to date and earning their first Gold and Platinum digital single certification for ‘How Far We’ve Come’ on Atlantic in March. Keep em’ coming!

Kudos to power-pop punk band Paramore for earning their first Gold digital single for ‘Misery Business’ off Atlantic. Their 2007 and second studio album RIOT!, which features the single, is also currently certified Gold. Check out the GRAMMY nominated ‘Best New Artist’ group currently on tour with Capitol alternative rockers Jimmy Eat World.

Atlantic hip hop artist Plies earned his first Gold digital single for ‘Hypnotized’ and first Gold and Platinum ringtone certification for ‘Shawty.’ His debut album The Real Testament was certified Gold in February, a ‘real testament’ to Plies’ talent and hard work.

Veteran rocker Paul McCartney earned his 15th Gold album for Memory Almost Full on Concord Records. McCartney’s former band The Beatles has sold a whopping 170 million albums - more albums than any band in G&P history.

In March, the RIAA awarded a total 13 digital singles, 12 albums, and 7 ringtones. All certifications are calculated by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. Complete lists of all album, single, mastertone and video awards can also be accessed at www.riaa.com.


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