RIAA Gold Single Award for LL Cool J track "Mama Said Knock You Out". This track was released on Mar. 6, 1991 and was certified Gold on May 15, 1991. LL Cool J awards are hard to find.
The single, the title track of his fourth album, peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy award for Best Rap Solo Performance. It was also #1 on the Hot Rap Singles tally, #7 on the Dance Club Singles chart and reached #41 on the U.K. Singles chart. By 2021 the single was certified Platinum by the RIAA (call it a comeback for sure...) See image above for the RIAA sales certification of this track*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single award
- In VG condition
- First presentation award from 1991
- Presentation to music industry executive
- All original with manufacturer sticker
- Letter of provenance included
- Known as a RIAA "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-97
- Award measures 17" x 21"
- Great collectors item for any LL Cool J fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold single award is a first presentation award that would have been manufactured in 1991 making it 31 years old. The album on which the track appeared, Mama Said Knock You Out, went 2x Multi-Platinum. The award is presented to Jerry Blair, a record executive who held roles at CBS, Chrysalis, and Columbia Records.
Blair played a key role in the success of artists including LL Cool J, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, George Michael, Will Smith and many others. The award is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Blair's son, who later took possession of his father's awards and memorabilia (see image of letter, son's name is redacted on image, buyer will receive unredacted copy).
This award is all original with Ill Eagle manufacturer's sticker. The award is in VG condition with only minor gold finish degradation around the label, minor wear on the frame and a few mars on the plexiglass.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards like this one: 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.