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ROD WAVE WAS THE BIGGEST ARTIST-SONGWRITER IN THE US IN Q1, WITH 10 CERTIFICATIONS
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has announced the top songwriters for Q1 2021, including the top artist-songwriter and top non-performing songwriter for the period.
During January, February and March, 1,213 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded.
Rod Wave was the top artist-songwriter overall with 10 certifications including Rags2Riches reaching double Multi-Platinum status. He is published by Sony Music Publishing.
The top non-performing songwriter was Mike Dean with seven certifications including reaching two-time Multi-Platinum status for Ultralight Beam performed by Kanye West.
He is published by Warner Chappell.
Additionally, For The Night performed by Pop Smoke ft. Lil Baby & DaBaby reached the four-time Multi-Platinum threshold.
In partnership with the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program, NMPA finds and certifies the songwriters and publishers of RIAA-certified singles.
RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams towards its Gold (500,000), Platinum (1 million) and Multi-Platinum (2m+) thresholds.
Thousands of songwriters have been recognized since NMPA’s program began in 2007.
The full list of songwriters and publishers honored in Q1 can be found here.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite, said: “Thus far we’ve made huge progress in 2021 towards enjoying music in person again and the resilience of the industry is a direct result of songwriters and artists continuing to create.
“Huge congratulations to Rod Wave for a phenomenal quarter with double-digit certifications and to Grammy-winning producer Mike Dean who achieved an impressive three Multi-Platinum certifications in three months.”
Mike Dean added: “Thankful to be one of the top writers of q1!
“I love writing, so it’s rewarding when it’s appreciated. Great way to start the year.”
21 Savage was the biggest songwriter in Q4 2020, with 21 certifications.
Kanye West, who is published by Sony/ATV, was the top songwriter in Q3 2020, with 39 certifications.
J. Cole (published by Universal Music Publishing Group)was the top overall songwriter in Q2 2020, with 21 certifications.
Lil Baby, who is also published by UMPG, was the top songwriter in Q1 2020, overall with 22 certifications.