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Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (Image courtesy of High Rise PR)
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (Image courtesy of High Rise PR)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' 'The Heist' turns 10; 'Can't Hold Us' officially certified RIAA Diamond

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Fri, Oct 14th 2022 04:25 pm

This month marks not only the 10-year history since the release of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ accolade and award-laden global debut, “The Heist,” but also sees their hit single “Can’t Hold Us” being officially certified RIAA Diamond, with the organization honoring the duo as one of the most successful of the past 65 years of RIAA Gold and Platinum history. 

“Can’t Hold Us,” featuring Ray Dalton marks their second Diamond Single Award from the same album – an incredibly rare accomplishment – and follows 2015’s “Thrift Shop,” featuring Wanz.

Diamond certifications make up less than 1% of RIAA’s Gold and Platinum program. These are awarded for 10 million sales and streaming equivalents earned in the U.S., alone with only 19 acts having more than one Diamond single in RIAA history.

Speaking on this monumental achievement, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis shared: “What a journey on this record. ... We started to perform this song before it even had a hook, way before ‘The Heist’ came out … and here we are a decade later and it's a Diamond single. It’s a record that has stood the test of time. … Still probably my favorite song to perform live.”

RIAA Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens presented the duo the plaque this week and said, “RIAA is thrilled to celebrate Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, as ‘Can’t Hold Us,’ featuring Ray Dalton achieves Diamond! In the Gold and Platinum program’s nearly 65 years, this rare milestone marks the duo’s second Diamond-certified single, and we look forward to many more in their future. Congratulations to Ryan, Macklemore and the ADA team!”

ADA President Cat Kreidich said, “To land two RIAA Diamond singles is no easy feat – it’s a testament to the incredible artists that Ben and Ryan are, and to what’s possible through the power of a true partnership. ADA is proud to have been by their side from the very beginning, and I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re thrilled for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on this much-deserved milestone.”

Earlier this year, Macklemore made a triumphant return with the critically applauded “CHANT” featuring Australian break-out artist and producer Tones And I. 

His team said, “An anthem for the ages, ‘CHANT’ was lauded as ‘uplifting,’ ‘epic’ and ‘powerful’ by SPIN Magazine, American Songwriter and Rap Rada respectively. ‘CHANT’ made its morning television debut as part of ‘Good Morning America’s’ ‘Summer Concert Series in Central Park.’ The Seattle born-and-based artist performed to hundreds of screaming fans (watch here), and teased a larger body of work and new musical era is on the horizon.

Watch the official music video for “CHANT” here.

Most recently, Macklemore’s latest single, the indie-pop infused “MANIAC,’ Ft Windser,” continues to gain traction at radio and across digital platforms globally. It comes with an official music video, featuring a brief cameo by Nardwuar, directed by Jake Magraw (watch here; listen here).

Macklemore recently completed a North American Stadium tour with Imagine Dragons, and has confirmed a studio album is on the way and will be released in 2023. More details to come.

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