Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” is now the most certified song in RIAA history.
The 21-year-old’s remix with Billy Ray Cyrus has been certified 14x platinum in the United States, earning 14 million equivalent music units in just over two years since its independent release. Nas X announced the milestone on social networks, sharing a meme (in true Nas X style) in celebration.
“Old Town Road” was released independently in December 2018 and then entered the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2019, after it gained popularity on TikTok. It was re-released by Columbia Records in the same month and the remix with Cyrus fell in early April. The song, which features samples from Nine Inch Nails’ “34 Ghosts IV”, set several records throughout the year, including becoming the oldest number 1 and the best-selling diamond disc of all time. Nas X and Cyrus were nominated for three awards at the 2020 GRAMMYs, receiving a Record of the Year nomination and winning Best Pop Duo / Group Performance and Best Music Video.
THE OLD TOWN ROAD IS OFFICIALLY 14 TIMES PLATINUM! MOST PLATINUMS FOR ANY SONG EVER! LETS GOOO! pic.twitter.com/JsqUdIapfQ
– no (@LilNasX) January 9, 2021
Amazing. I’m speechless. #THE TR it is now 14x platinum and the most certified song in music history. Thanks! @LilNasX @YoungKio @Dopebyaccident @theRonPerry @ColumbiaRecords @bolooki pic.twitter.com/qXGJ1ytvLe
– Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) January 9, 2021
In another part of the song, watch The Weeknd’s announcement for its performance at the Super Bowl LV break.