Nigerian singer Wizkid‘s collaboration with Drake, “One Dance,” featuring British singer Kyla, has officially received an 11x Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for selling 11 million sales-equivalent units. The award was presented on Monday October 30, marking Wizkid’s first song to reach this milestone, one year after it achieved Diamond certification for selling ten million units.
“One Dance” is a track from Drake’s fourth studio album, “Views.” The song was released on April 5, 2016, ahead of the album’s May 6 release date. “Views,” a dancehall-heavy album that drew inspiration from West African music, R&B, trap, Afrobeat, UK funky, and pop, also earned an 8x Platinum certification on October 30 for selling 8 million units. The album, executive produced by Drake himself and his frequent collaborator “40,” features guest appearances from PartyNextDoor, Pimp C, Dvsn, Future, and Rihanna and previously surpassed 8 billion streams on Spotify.
In keeping with the dancehall tradition, the album explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and friendship. Upon its release, it made a significant impact, selling an impressive 1.04 million album-equivalent units in its debut week and securing the top spot on the US Billboard 200. Notably, it set a then-record with over 245 million streams.
The album’s success extended beyond the United States, spending an impressive 13 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and also reaching the summit of the UK Albums Chart. All 20 songs from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics upon its release, “Views” has proven to be a commercial powerhouse. It has now achieved over seven million certified units sold worldwide and has received six Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Notably, “Views” was honored as the Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Rap Album at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. It is the only dancehall project to attain these achievements.
As for “One Dance,” which was co-written by the artists themselves, the track was co-produced by Nineteen85 and Noah “40” Shebib, along with Wizkid. Additional songwriting credits go to Crazy Cousinz and Kyla for the incorporation of elements from their 2008 UK funky song, “Do You Mind.” It was accompanied by other dancehall-infused tracks on the album, such as “Controlla” (certified 5x Platinum as of December 8) and “Too Good,” featuring Rihanna, which also earned a 5x Platinum certification on Monday.
Drake also received additional certifications on Monday, including his 2018 album “Scorpion” (7x Platinum) and his 2017 mixtape “More Life.” “More Life” is a Jamaican farewell salute often used in dancehall, as exemplified by artists like Vybz Kartel, who has a 2009 song of the same name. Other Drake songs achieving certifications on Monday include “God’s Plan” (16x Platinum), “Passionfruit” (7x Platinum), “In My Feelings” (8x Platinum), and “Fake Love” (6x Platinum). These certifications further solidify Drake’s status as the most certified singles artist in the US with 223 million ‘RIAA Digital Certified Song Units as a lead artist.’
