In an unprecedented feat, iconic hip-hop duo OutKast has reached an historic milestone. Their 2003 masterpiece “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” has been certified an astonishing 13x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), solidifying its status as the highest-selling rap album in U.S. history.
This monumental achievement surpasses Eminem’s “The Eminem Show,” which earned its 12x platinum certification just last year. What sets “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” apart is its unique double-album format, each copy sold contributing twice in the certification process.
Big Boi, one half of OutKast, took to Instagram to share his elation. In a video, he unveiled a framed plaque commemorating the album’s remarkable 13 million sales, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the fans. He wrote, “Over 13 Million albums sold… OutKast is everlasting. Stank You Smelly Much… To All Y’all.”
According to the RIAA, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” now stands as one of the highest-selling albums across all genres. The album made an explosive debut at No. 1, selling over 510,000 copies in its very first week.
With chart-topping singles like “The Way You Move” and “Hey Ya!,” both reigning at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the album secured its place in music history. Notably, “Hey Ya!” maintained its top position for an impressive nine weeks.
Beyond its commercial success, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” earned OutKast the coveted Grammy Award for Album Of The Year, making them only the second hip-hop project to achieve this honor in history. This places the album alongside the Diamond-certified “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (10x Platinum), which also received this accolade at the 1999 Grammy ceremony.
OutKast continues to make waves, with their 2000 release “Stankonia” halfway to Diamond status, having received its 5x Platinum certification from the RIAA in November 2021. Both “Stankonia” and “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” were Grammy winners for Best Rap Album.
OutKast’s extraordinary achievement in RIAA certification sets a high bar for hip-hop, with no other act, including Eminem, coming close. Currently, the Eagles’ “Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)” (38x Platinum) and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (34x Platinum) lead the all-time certification records.
In the realm of U.S. album sales, the Eagles’ “1971-75 Greatest Hits” (38x Platinum), Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (34x Platinum), the Eagles’ “Hotel California” (26x Platinum), and AC/DC’s “Back in Black” (25x Platinum) reign supreme. Yet, OutKast’s entire discography has achieved platinum status, with “Stankonia” standing as their second best-selling album at five million sold.
While Andre 3000 and Big Boi haven’t released new music as OutKast for over 15 years, their timeless classics continue to be celebrated. Recently, they marked the 25th anniversary of “ATLiens” with a limited reissue. This year, they’re honoring the 25th anniversary of “Aquemini” with a vibrant animated music video for “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and a special multi-colored edition vinyl pressing of the album.