Tone Loc RIAA Gold Single award for "Wild Thing". Released on October 15, 1988 off his 1989 album Lōc-ed After Dark, the single was certified Gold by the RIAA on January 10, 1989 for 500,000 copies sold.
The track went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and charted in other countries as well. It famously includes a sample of Van Halen's "Jamie's Cryin' " which was not licensed at the time of the track's release. Tone Loc and his label later settled a suit with Van Halen to compensate the band for the use. The single eventually was certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA with over two million copies sold. See image above for RIAA sales certification of the single*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold single award with gold disc and presentation plate
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from around 1990
- Presented to record promotion executive
- Award measures approx. 13" x 17"
- Known as a "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-1997
- Great collector's item for any Tone Loc fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold award that would have been manufactured sometime in 1990, making it about 33 years old. This award is presented to Jeff McClusky, a long time independent record promoter who worked with many record labels.
In VG condition with minor mars on the frame and plexiglass. Has what could be original backing paper but no manufacturer's label is present although there appears to be adhesive residue in the size, shape and location of a Creative Glassics label.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com