Chris Brown Earns New Wave of RIAA Certifications, Marking 20 Years Since His Debut

On December 1, 2025—twenty years after Chris Brown introduced himself to the world—RIAA officially updated the certifications for nearly every major single from his debut album Chris Brown, along with the album itself. The refreshed honors reveal not only the longevity of his early catalog, but also how streaming has propelled these mid-2000s classics to new milestones.

Released in 2005 under RCA, Brown’s debut era now boasts multiple multi-platinum singles, new gold plaques, and a 4x Platinum album certification—cementing the project as one of the most enduring R&B debuts of the 21st century.

“Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” Hits 4x Platinum

Originally released November 29, 2005, “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” remains one of Brown’s most recognizable early hits. Its new 4x Platinum certification confirms over 4 million digital units earned.

Certification Timeline:

• 4× Platinum – Dec 1, 2025

• 2× Platinum – Oct 1, 2021

• Platinum – Nov 22, 2017

• Gold – Mar 31, 2006

Still a fan favorite nearly two decades later, “Yo” shows no sign of slowing down.

“Gimme That” Climbs to 2x Platinum

Another breakout from the debut album, “Gimme That” (released November 29, 2005) has now achieved 2x Platinum, marking 2 million digital units.

Certification Timeline:

• 2× Platinum – Dec 1, 2025

• Platinum – Nov 22, 2017

• Gold – Feb 13, 2008

Its remix with Lil Wayne helped propel the single into long-term cultural relevance.

Two Album Cuts Earn First-Time Gold Certifications

Two non-single fan favorites from Brown’s debut LP—“Ain’t No Way (You Won’t Love Me)” and “Ya Man Ain’t Me”—earned their first RIAA certifications on December 1, 2025.

Both tracks, originally released November 29, 2005, are now Gold, representing 500,000 digital units each.

These deep cuts gaining momentum decades later reinforces how often the early album is rediscovered by newer generations.

“Run It!” Soars to 5x Platinum

Brown’s debut single and first No. 1 hit, “Run It!”, has crossed a major milestone—5x Platinum, equal to 5 million digital units.

Release Date: July 1, 2005
Certification Timeline:

• 5× Platinum – Dec 1, 2025

• 3× Platinum – Aug 23, 2019

• 2× Platinum – Nov 22, 2017

• Platinum – Nov 6, 2006

• Gold – Nov 18, 2005

It remains one of the most successful debut singles of the 2000s.

“Say Goodbye” Reaches 3x Platinum

The emotional R&B ballad “Say Goodbye” continues to resonate, moving to 3x Platinum.

Certification Timeline:

• 3× Platinum – Dec 1, 2025

• 2× Platinum – Oct 1, 2021

• Platinum – Nov 22, 2017

• Gold – Jun 7, 2007

Its longevity highlights Brown’s early mastery of both uptempo and slow R&B.

“Poppin’” Becomes Platinum

Another fan-favorite deep cut, “Poppin’”, has now gone Platinum, representing over 1 million digital units.

Certification Timeline:

• Platinum – Dec 1, 2025

• Gold – Aug 23, 2019

The track’s rise reflects an ongoing TikTok and streaming resurgence.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the album itself. Chris Brown, released November 29, 2005, now sits at 4x Platinum, representing 4 million units certified.

Certification Timeline:

• 4× Platinum – Dec 1, 2025

• 3× Platinum – Aug 23, 2019

• 2× Platinum – Dec 18, 2006

• Platinum – Jan 6, 2006

• Gold – Jan 6, 2006

The updated certification affirms the project as one of the most successful R&B debuts of its generation.