OutKast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' Reigns as Top U.S. Rap Album

Hip-hop legends OutKast have achieved a historic milestone as their 2003 album "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" was officially certified 13x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. This certification solidifies it as the largest-selling rap album ever in the United States.

The iconic album, featuring the hit single "Hey Ya," surpassed Eminem's "The Eminem Show," which received its 12x platinum certification in 2022. The uniqueness of "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" as a double album contributed to its remarkable achievement, with each copy sold counting twice in the certification process.

Celebrating this momentous occasion, Big Boi, one-half of OutKast, shared his excitement on Instagram. He posted a video of himself unveiling a framed plaque commemorating the album's 13 million sales and expressed gratitude to the fans, writing, "Over 13 Million albums sold… OutKast is everlasting. Stank You Smelly Much… To All Y’all."

According to the RIAA, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" has reached the esteemed 13x platinum status, placing it among the best-selling albums across all genres. The album made waves when it debuted at No. 1, selling over 510,000 copies in its first week alone.

The album's singles, "The Way You Move" and "Hey Ya!" performed exceptionally well, both peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Hey Ya!" remained at the top of the Hot 100 rankings for an impressive nine weeks.

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Moreover, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" earned OutKast the distinction of being only the second hip-hop project to win the Grammy Award for Album Of The Year. This accolade places the album in the same league as the Diamond-certified "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (10x Platinum), which also received this honor at the 1999 Grammy ceremony.

OutKast has another full-length release that is currently halfway to Diamond status. The RIAA certified 2000’s "Stankonia" as 5x-Platinum in November 2021. Both "Stankonia" and "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" won Grammys for Best Rap Album.

Eminem’s "The Eminem Show" (12x-Platinum) previously held the RIAA certification record for a Hip-Hop album. In addition, the Detroit rapper received RIAA Diamond Awards for 2000’s "The Marshall Mathers LP" (11x-Platinum) and 2005’s "Curtain Call: The Hits" (10x-Platinum).

Other Diamond-certified rap albums include The Notorious B.I.G.’s "Life After Death" (11x-Platinum), 2Pac’s "Greatest Hits" (10x-Platinum), 2Pac’s "All Eyez On Me" (10x-Platinum), Beastie Boys’ "Licensed to Ill" (10x-Platinum), MC Hammer’s "Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em" (10x-Platinum), and Nelly’s "Country Grammar" (10x-Platinum).

OutKast, Eminem or any other Hip-Hop act ever breaking the all-time RIAA certification record appears to be an extremely difficult feat. At the moment, "Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)" by Eagles (38x-Platinum) and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson (34x-Platinum) are battling for first place.

The biggest-selling album ever of any genre in the U.S. is the Eagles’ "1971-75 greatest hits collection" (38x platinum), followed by Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" (34 times platinum), the Eagles again with "Hotel California" (26x platinum), and AC/DC’s "Back in Black" (25x platinum). All of OutKast’s LPs have at least gone platinum, with 2000’s "Stankonia" their second biggest-selling album at five million sold.

Andre 3000 and Big Boi haven’t released new music as Outkast in over 15 years but that hasn’t stopped them from celebrating their timeless classics. A couple of years ago, Outkast celebrated the 25th anniversary of "ATLiens" with a limited reissue.

This year, they’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Aquemini" and to honor the release, the duo have released a psychedelic animated music video for “SpottieOttieDopaliscious.” The legendary jazzy anthem was one of the most influential tracks of the album and has received masterful animation treatment from OK Motion Club.

In addition to the new video, Outkast is releasing a limited multi-colored edition vinyl pressing for "Aquemini."

'Thotiana' Rapper Blueface Receives Probation in Vegas Strip Club Shooting

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Rapper Blueface, also known as Johnathan Porter, has received a probation sentence in connection with a shooting outside a Las Vegas strip club last year. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on October 8, 2022, leading to his arrest in November.

Known for his contributions to the hip-hop music scene, the 27-year-old gained recognition for his unique style and hit tracks. His breakout single, "Thotiana," released in 2018, catapulted him to stardom, garnering millions of views on YouTube and widespread acclaim.

The sentencing took place on Monday when Judge Kathleen Delaney confirmed a plea deal made over the summer, stipulating a probation-only sentence. Porter received a suspended sentence of 2-5 years in prison, which means he will serve probation.

According to court documents, the victim of the shooting reported being shot in the hand outside the Euphoric Gentlemen’s Club on Windy Road near the Las Vegas Strip. The victim claimed to have recognized Porter at the club and had spoken to him earlier in the evening. The altercation reportedly began when the victim made a comment about Porter talking to some women in a modest vehicle.

Initially charged with attempted murder, Porter's plea deal resulted in reduced charges of battery and discharging a firearm at or into an occupied structure.

In addition to the criminal case, Blueface faced civil lawsuits related to the shooting. Porter's legal team had requested a pause in the civil cases until the criminal proceedings were resolved.

In a separate incident, Porter faced a robbery charge after allegedly stealing a fan's phone at the Palms casino. Records indicate that prosecutors agreed to drop the charge following Porter's sentencing in the shooting case.

Blueface's sentencing includes up to three years of probation, with an underlying sentence of 2-5 years behind bars. Any probation violation could result in a substantial prison term.

Kentavious Traylor, the individual who was grazed by one of the bullets in the shooting, expressed frustration with the judicial process, suggesting that Blueface received preferential treatment due to his celebrity status. Traylor claimed that the incident had a significant impact on his life and job prospects and voiced his disapproval of Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis, presumably a reference to an associate of the rapper.

Watch: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance World Tour' Comes Alive in New Film

Beyoncé is gearing up to mesmerize global audiences as she takes her acclaimed "Renaissance World Tour" from the stage to the silver screen.

Following the tour's triumphant finale in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday night, the iconic diva unveiled the hotly-anticipated trailer for "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé." This cinematic sensation is set to premiere worldwide in theaters on December 1.

The forthcoming film promises an inside look at the extraordinary journey of the "Renaissance World Tour," spanning its inception and grand opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the climactic finale in Kansas City, Missouri.

It also delves into Beyoncé's unwavering dedication, meticulous involvement in all aspects of production, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to crafting a lasting legacy while perfecting her artistry.

"The film encapsulates Beyoncé's unwavering determination, dedication, and comprehensive involvement in every facet of production, showcasing her creative genius and her mission to establish an enduring legacy while elevating her craft," underscores the official synopsis.

Get a sneak peek of this cinematic treat by watching the first trailer below.