Over a decade after its release, Drake’s Take Care has reached a historic milestone. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has officially certified the 2011 album as Diamond, marking over 10 million units sold in the United States. This makes it the first album by a Black artist since Usher’s 2004 classic Confessions to achieve Diamond status — a feat that underscores Drake’s enduring dominance in modern music.

A Defining Moment for Drake and Hip-Hop

When Take Care first dropped in November 2011, it redefined the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. Blending introspective lyrics with atmospheric production from Noah “40” Shebib, the album gave us hits like “Marvins Room,” “Headlines,” “Take Care” featuring Rihanna, and “The Motto.” Each song added to the emotional and cultural depth that would shape Drake’s career.

Fast forward to 2025, Take Care is more than a body of work — it’s a generational touchstone. Its Diamond certification not only cements Drake’s position among music’s elite but also shines a spotlight on how far hip-hop has come as a global art form. Few albums have maintained this kind of cultural relevance over time, let alone reached sales this monumental.

Why This Certification Matters

The Diamond plaque carries heavy symbolism. For one, it bridges a 21-year gap between Confessions and Take Care — two landmark albums that defined eras of Black artistry in mainstream music. Usher’s 2004 record ruled R&B with heartfelt storytelling, while Drake’s 2011 project blurred genre lines and opened the door for the melodic rap sound that dominates today’s charts.

It’s also a reminder of the industry’s slow recognition of Black-led albums at this level of commercial success. Despite hip-hop being the most consumed genre in the U.S., only a handful of Black artists have achieved Diamond album certifications, highlighting the persistent disparities in how record sales and certifications have been tracked or prioritized.

From Toronto to the World

Drake’s journey from Toronto’s underground scene to global superstardom is nothing short of cinematic. With Take Care, he gave the world permission to feel — merging vulnerability with swagger, and setting a tone that influenced countless artists after him. His success story resonates far beyond North America, inspiring a new wave of global Black talent — including the rising stars of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and beyond — to chase international recognition on their own terms.