NBA YoungBoy, the Baton Rouge rapper known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, achieved a historic milestone on January 16, 2026, becoming the most RIAA-certified rapper of all time with 126 certified titles, surpassing legends like Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. According to Ratings Game Music and The Beat, the 26-year-old artist earned these certifications through a staggering volume of gold and platinum plaques, including 36 new ones awarded that day, mostly for solo singles.[1][2][4] The RIAA’s Gold & Platinum database confirms multiple recent certifications for YoungBoy projects like The Last Slimeto, Top, and Realer on the same date, underscoring the official nature of the achievement.[5]
This record-breaking feat highlights NBA YoungBoy’s unparalleled work ethic and prolific output in the streaming era. Ratings Game Music reports that YoungBoy has released multiple projects annually, including three in the past 12 months, building a catalog that now boasts 71 gold plaques and 30 platinum records as a lead artist.[1][3] HotNewHipHop notes that the bulk of his new certifications stem from standalone singles without features, demonstrating his solo commercial dominance.[4] The Beat adds that this milestone coincides with the release of his latest 30-track album Slime Cry on January 16, 2026, featuring collaborations with Burna Boy on “Teary Eyes” and Jelly Roll on “Devil Go Away,” along with YouTube videos for tracks like “Creep Up On Ya” and “Baby Boo.”[2] YoungBoy’s rapid pace—described in a past Billboard interview as a “disease” driving constant creation—has also made him the rapper with the most Billboard 200 charting projects (34 entries) in just eight years, passing E-40.[3]
Beyond certifications, YoungBoy’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. The Beat reports an upcoming concert film produced by NBA’s 38 Films and Foundation Media Partners, while he is set to headline the final night of Rolling Loud Orlando on May 10, 2026, at Camping World Stadium.[2] The Beat DFW highlights his current No. 1 spot on YouTube’s weekly top artists chart with nearly 48 million views and touring averages of $1.6 million per city.[3] At 26, YoungBoy has outpaced artists like Drake, who reportedly held 45-60 certifications at a similar age, per HotNewHipHop citing Kurrco and The Hype Magazine.[4] Ratings Game Music emphasizes how his consistency in fan loyalty and streaming consumption has reshaped hip-hop record books.[1]
NBA YoungBoy’s ascent to the top of RIAA certifications solidifies his status as a modern hip-hop titan, proving that volume paired with fan devotion can eclipse decades-long careers. As his catalog expands with releases like Slime Cry—following 2025 projects such as More Leaks, MASA, and DESHAWN—this mark may prove untouchable, much like landmark records in other fields.[1][3][4] The achievement arrives amid his ongoing legal battles and house arrest, yet underscores a career defined by relentless output and cultural impact.
