Nowadays, rappers have a lot to compete with for the attention of fans. The artists, and record labels that push them, come to terms with the proven fact that shock value and bad news can only benefit record sales and add to their success, no matter how ridiculous a scandal. It also helps if listeners are receptive to the rappers’ music.
At the young age of 21, NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has managed to juggle controversy and record sales, simultaneously, and without mainstream support. The Louisiana native has surpassed “Rumors” rapper Cardi B in the number of certified units in digital singles, becoming the No. 10 rapper on the list.
Cardi B, who now holds the No. 11 slot, currently has 47 million certified units downloaded in digital singles, with a record 25 platinum singles, seven gold singles, and one diamond single for her hit “Bodak Yellow.” It’s not an accomplishment to take lightly. Not only has Cardi B managed to compete among a male-dominated industry, but she’s also outperformed her female counterparts, such as Nicki Minaj (30.5M), Iggy Azalea (17M), and Megan Thee Stallion (16M).
Still, YoungBoy Never Broke Again is a story of miraculous proportions. Starting out as a self-made teen rapper out of Baton Rouge, LA, he built his following through a series of independent mixtapes under his banner Never Broke Again. Altogether, he has amassed a total of 78 hit singles since 2018.
Thirty-five of those singles were certified gold, while he has a current total of 43 certified platinum singles, according to the RIAA. His songs “Diamond Teeth Samurai,” which came from his first studio album with Atlantic, along with singles “I Came Thru,” “No Mentions,” “No Love,” “Ranada,” and “Drawing Symbols,” were all recently certified platinum on Aug. 26., accumulating 6 million certified units for the rapper pushing him into the Top 10 for digital singles.
At a total 48.5 million certified units, Youngboy Never Broke Again surpasses Kendrick Lamar (41M), Travis Scott (38.5M), Lil Baby (37.5M), DaBaby (26.5M), Kodak Black (21.5M), Jay-Z (18.5M), Roddy Ricch (17.5M), and Migos (16.5M). As for Jay-Z being low on the list, it is most likely due to the music industry converting from physical album sales to digital downloads and streaming over the last decade. So, don’t get it twisted. Digital certifications mainly hold more weight for rappers who have debuted music in recent years.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again is currently serving time at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center in Baton Rouge, LA on weapon charges as he waits to go to trial. While in jail, he released a song recorded on a phone from jail titled “Lock Down Session,” expressing the issues he’s faced since being incarcerated.
The top 10 rappers with the most certified units in digital singles include:
10. YoungBoy Never Broke Again (48.5M)
9. XXXTentacion (50M)
8. J. Cole (52M)
7. Flo Rida (52.5M)
6. Future (57M)
5. Lil Wayne (70M)
4. Post Malone (95M)
3. Eminem (107.5M)
2. Kanye West (113M)
1. Drake (163.5M)
