Photo Credit: pgLang / Live Nation
Kendrick Lamar’s collaboration with Travis Scott makes history as the highest-certified rap song in history, ousting Drake’s “God’s Plan.”
Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott’s collaborative track, “goosebumps,” has officially surpassed Drake’s “God’s Plan” to become the most RIAA-certified rap song in history, reaching 17-times platinum. “God’s Plan,” by contrast, is 16-times platinum.
The achievement marks a major moment for both Scott and Lamar, proving their authenticity has staying power even without the initial mainstream appeal. The track has dominated playlists with quiet fervor since its release, rather than starting off strong and then fading from public memory.
First appearing on Travis Scott’s 2016 album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, neither the track nor the album received widespread acclaim, especially compared to his later project Astroworld. However, it has aged well, with several songs that have continued appeal, like “Beibs in the Trap” and “Pick Up the Phone.”
In addition to its RIAA certification, “goosebumps” has become a streaming powerhouse, accumulating over 2.95 billion streams on Spotify alone.
Drake, of course, still has a solid 10 singles that have been certified diamond or higher, a record he shares with Post Malone. These include “God’s Plan,” “Sicko Mode” with Travis Scott (15-times platinum), “No Guidance” with Chris Brown (11-times platinum), “One Dance” (11-times platinum), “Life is Good” with Future (11-times platinum), and “Best I Ever Had” (10-times platinum).
Meanwhile, “goosebumps” is Kendrick’s first diamond track and Travis Scott’s second, after “Sicko Mode.” But Kendrick has multiple tracks nearing the 10 million sales mark, and thus close to adding to his collection of diamond plaques. “Fuckin’ Problems” with A$AP Rocky has reached eight-times platinum, while “HUMBLE” has reached seven-times platinum.
Notably, RIAA plaques are only awarded once an artist or their label makes a request and their application is approved. That means it’s possible for an album or song to have already surpassed the required 10 million sales domestically without being official certified.
