Rihanna has once again proven her dominance in the music industry, becoming the female artist with the most diamond singles. As of May 31, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed that Rihanna has achieved an astounding seven certified diamond singles: "Umbrella," "We Found Love" (feat. Calvin Harris), "Stay," "Love the Way You Lie," "Needed Me," "Work," and, fittingly, "Diamonds."
The latest additions to her diamond-certified collection include "Umbrella," "Work," "Needed Me," and "Stay," which joined the ranks after "Diamonds" received its certification in April. Among these, four tracks feature Rihanna as the solo lead, while two include guest verses by Jay-Z ("Umbrella") and Drake ("Work"), and one is a collaboration with Eminem ("Love the Way You Lie").
RIAA recognized Rihanna's achievement with the titles "Most Diamond Singles for a Female Artist" and "Most Diamond Certified Titles for a Female Artist." Rihanna responded to this milestone on Twitter, sharing a visual of her accomplishments and simply stating, "ain’t no back n forth."
A single is awarded diamond certification by RIAA when it reaches 10 million equivalent song units. According to RIAA standards, one song unit is equivalent to either one digital song sale or 150 audio and video streams.
Previously, the record was held by Katy Perry, who has four diamond singles: "Firework," "Dark Horse," "Roar," and "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg). In June 2023, Perry surpassed Lady Gaga, who has three diamond singles: "Bad Romance," "Just Dance," and "Poker Face." However, Rihanna claimed the top spot in April with "Diamonds."
Rihanna's latest release was the 2022 single "Lift Me Up," recorded for the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack. Her last full album, "Anti," was released in 2016.
In April, Rihanna provided an update on her highly anticipated new music. Speaking at a Fenty Beauty event in Los Angeles, she said, "It’s going to be amazing. It has to be — that’s the only reason it’s not out yet. If I’m not feeling it and it doesn’t represent the evolution and time I’ve spent away, then it’s not worth releasing. There should be growth, right?"
She added, "I want to play, and music is my playground. I want to have fun with it and show where I truly am." Rihanna also noted that she's "not a big collaborator," so any featured artist on her new record would have to be "very intentional."
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty
