Drake Dethrones Rihanna As America’s #1 Digital Singles Artist

Drake now boasts more RIAA certifications than Rihanna — and all other artists.

Drake - God's Plan | OVO/Republic

In conjunction with the release of his new album “Scorpion,” Drake received a myriad of new RIAA certifications for a number of his past releases.

Those new awards establish Drake as America’s #1 digital singles artist.

According to the RIAA, Drake is now credited with 148 million in certified US digital single units (as a lead artist). The impressive number represents a new record.

Rihanna, who previously held the distinction, boasts 124 million in certified units.

Taylor Swift (108.5 million), Eminem (107.5 million), and Katy Perry (98 million) complete the Top 5.

As of early 2016, a digital single unit is equal to 1 paid download or 150 streams.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.