T.I. is getting closer to earning his first diamond certification as a solo artist, having recently added several new gold and platinum awards to his collection. On Wednesday (September 18), the Atlanta rap icon received 16 new certifications from the RIAA, with “Whatever You Like” leading the pack at eight-times platinum, marking his highest-selling solo single so far.
The certification reflects eight million U.S. sales, leaving the 2008 hit just two million units shy of diamond status.
In addition, T.I.’s “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna has now reached seven-times platinum, while his collaboration with Justin Timberlake, “Dead and Gone,” is five-times platinum. Other tracks, including “What You Know” and “Bring ‘Em Out,” have been recognized as double platinum.
T.I. ‘s albums have also gained new accolades. Paper Trail is now four-times platinum, while King and Urban Legend are double platinum, and No Mercy has reached platinum status.
Although T.I. already holds a diamond plaque for his feature on Robin Thicke’s 2013 hit “Blurred Lines,” a solo diamond certification would place him among an exclusive group of rappers, with “Whatever You Like” being the most likely contender.
Currently, rappers with at least one diamond certification include Eminem, Drake, 50 Cent, Kanye West, JAY-Z, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, OutKast, and Lauryn Hill.
T.I., now 43, is also preparing for the release of his 12th and final album, which he recently revealed will be a double-disc project titled Kill the King and Kiss the King. Speaking on the We In Miami podcast, he shared, “It’s time to evolve beyond my career as a rapper.”
