In a landmark achievement for hip-hop certification milestones, the collaboration track “goosebumps” by Travis Scott featuring Kendrick Lamar has officially become the highest-certified rap song in history, securing an unprecedented 17-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The achievement marks a considerable shift in the rap certification landscape, dethroning Drake’s “God’s Plan,” which previously held the title as the most-certified rap single.
Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar make history with “goosebumps” reaching unprecedented 17x platinum status, surpassing Drake’s previous record.
What makes this accomplishment particularly remarkable is that “goosebumps” wasn’t initially received with overwhelming acclaim upon its release. Unlike many chart-topping hits that experience immediate commercial success, the track demonstrated impressive longevity, gradually building its audience through consistent streaming and playlist inclusion over time.
The certification represents a culmination of years of steady consumption across digital platforms, where the song has become a mainstay in curated playlists and listeners’ personal rotations. The song continues to show strong, lasting appeal as evidenced by its consistent performance on streaming platforms since its release. This milestone highlights how streaming royalties can substantially contribute to an artist’s long-term revenue when their music maintains popularity over extended periods. Industry analysts point to this pattern as indicative of changing consumption habits in the streaming era, where tracks can accumulate substantial certification milestones through persistent listener engagement rather than just initial chart performance.
While Drake maintains an impressive portfolio of diamond-certified singles, the 17-times platinum status achieved by “goosebumps” establishes a new benchmark in rap music certification. The collaboration between Lamar and Scott proved particularly potent, combining two of hip-hop’s most influential voices on a track that has demonstrated unusual staying power.
For Kendrick Lamar, this certification reinforces his commercial impact alongside his critical acclaim. Though often celebrated primarily for his artistic achievements and lyrical prowess, this milestone highlights Lamar’s ability to create music with remarkable commercial longevity as well. The track’s success also underscores the importance of editorial playlists in sustaining visibility and streams for songs long after their initial release.
The streaming era has fundamentally altered how certification milestones are achieved, with consistent digital plays contributing considerably to platinum status. “Goosebumps” exemplifies this evolution, demonstrating how contemporary rap hits can build certification status through steady, long-term audience engagement rather than just immediate commercial impact. Interestingly, renowned producer Cardo Got Wings was behind both this record-breaking track and Drake’s “God’s Plan,” further cementing his significance in crafting platinum-certified hits.
