Recently, The Weeknd received a great birthday gift. The Canadian recording artist received his fifth Diamond certification for “Earned It,” the Grammy-winning hit from the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack.
The Weeknd’s birthday weekend is off to a good start. The “Starboy” received his fifth Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for “Earned It” on Feb. 16.
The song was featured on the soundtrack for the 2015 romance/thriller 50 Shades of Grey and garnered him a Grammy Award and Oscar nomination. SOHH, we’re taking a look at which songs in his past discography are also on their way to Diamond status:
“Prisoner” (featuring Lana Del Rey)
This 2015 track is off the sophomore album, Beauty Behind the Madness, by The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye. The R&B pop ballad details Abel’s infatuation with maintaining his newfound fame.
With 4.1 million views on YouTube, the song has resonated with many of his fans and is currently certified platinum by the RIAA.
“Acquainted”
“Acquainted” is a track also from Abel’s 2015 album. He talks about a new woman he’s fallen for that hasn’t vibed with his friends and may have led him on.
The electronic bop has received 10 million views on his official YouTube channel and is currently certified Platinum.
“Power is Power” (featuring SZA and Travis Scott)
This one is the lead single for the companion album for the HBO medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones entitled For the Throne in promotion for the show’s final season. The eerie, trippy hit has over 38 million views and features all three artists adorned in gear fit for royalty and their element.
Despite the admiration from fans, it still sits with a sole Gold certification.
“Hurricane” (featuring The Weeknd and Lil Baby)
This song is one of the lead singles off of Kanye West’s Donda, his tenth studio album. West is at his most intimate, detailing his split with Kim Kardashian and his deepest fears.
Meanwhile, Abel is more confident and sings about being “finally free” and “found the God” within himself. As of now, the song has a sole Platinum certification.
“Reminder”
This track is off his Grammy-winning third effort, Starboy, and is an open message to all of Abel’s detractors over the years. Although his music has received more airplay with kids, he details how he’s more vulgar and explicit than fans think he is.
The single has been certified by the RIAA three times.
Nipsey Hussle’s Posthumous Platinums
While The Weeknd has received flowers while he’s living, Nipsey has received numerous Platinum certifications since his passing. The late rapper was posthumously honored with multiple Platinum certifications for his Victory Lap album.
Nipsey’s posthumous honor has become common with rappers receiving glory after their deaths.