Kranium’s Hit “Nobody Has To Know” Achieves Gold Status in the UK

Dancehall artist Kranium’s 2013 breakout single Nobody Has To Know has officially been certified Gold in the United Kingdom, nearly five years after first earning Silver recognition. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) confirmed the milestone on Friday, January 16, reporting that the single has now sold over 400,000 units in the country, according to The Official Charts Company.

Produced by Lamar Michael Reynolds of PLMR Productions, the track’s infectious melody and organic appeal launched Kranium (born Kemar Donaldson) onto the international stage, eventually leading to a major-label deal with Atlantic Records. Under the label, he released a remix featuring Ty Dolla $ign and included the song on his debut album, Rumors, which also featured tracks like Lifestyle and the album’s title track.

Reflecting on the single’s impact, Kranium shared in a 2021 interview that its success came with significant lessons. “When Nobody Has To Know came out in 2013/14, I was the only one with a big hit record,” he said. “I realized the difference between a known song and a hit song. I just didn’t want more known songs; I wanted hits.”

Kranium’s dedication to creating impactful music has paid off. In addition to Nobody Has To Know, he holds UK Brit Certified Silver awards for his 2016 collaboration We Can featuring Tory Lanez, his 2020 track Gal Policy, and his contribution to Wiley’s 2019 hit My One, which also featured Tory Lanez and Dappy.

The song’s success extends beyond the UK. In the United States, it peaked at No. 44 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA in September 2019 for sales surpassing 500,000 copies. In Canada, it achieved Platinum status, with additional singles such as We Can and Can’t Believe (feat. Ty Dolla $ign and Wizkid) earning Gold certification.

Despite these achievements, Kranium has been candid about the pressures that accompanied the track’s success. In a 2022 Billboard interview, he revealed that the attention triggered depression. “Nobody Has To Know was the only reggae song translating from the American market to Africa and the Caribbean at that time,” he explained. “The first time I understood anxiety and depression was when that song came out. You get so much love, but eventually it slows down, and you start thinking, ‘What’s next?’”

While the single launched his career, Kranium is now navigating the music industry on his own terms. In March 2023, he announced his departure from Atlantic Records after eight years, writing on Instagram that although he had “great moments,” he was ready to begin a new chapter in his career.

With Nobody Has To Know now officially Gold in the UK, Kranium solidifies his legacy as a trailblazer for Caribbean artists in the global music scene, demonstrating that Dancehall continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.