OutKast’s momentum is showing no signs of slowing in 2004, as “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” (Arista) was certified eight-times platinum in January by the RIAA.
Wind-Up Records’ Creed and Evanescence also added shipments to their multi-platinum tallies. “Human Clay,” the 1999 album by Creed, rose to 11-times platinum, while Evanescence’s “Fallen” went quadruple platinum. Labelmate Seether also saw the first gold record of its career with “Disclaimer,” which shipped more than 500,000 units in January.
Virgin singer/songwriter Ben Harper received his first taste of gold in his decadelong career. The artist earned certifications for three albums — “Fight for Your Mind,” “Burn to Shine” and “Live From Mars.”
Ruben Studdard keeps the “American Idol” success going with “Soulful” (J Records), which earned the television-bred star his first platinum award.
Alicia Keys reached double platinum in January with her sophomore J Records effort, “The Diary of Alicia Keys.”
Veteran country star Toby Keith started the year with a pair of multi-platinum certifications for his latest, “Shock’n Y’All” (DreamWorks Nashville) and 2002’s “Unleashed,” while newcomer Josh Turner received his first gold honor with his MCA Nashville debut, “Long Black Train.”
