RIAA 3x Multi-Platinum Award for Will Smith album Big Willie Style. Released on Nov. 21, 1997, the album was certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA on July 28, 1998 for three million copies sold.
Along with the Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit "Gettin' Jiggy wit It", singles also included "Just Cruisin' ", "Miami" "Just The Two Of Us" the film theme "Men In Black". The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. "Gettin' Jiggy wit It" and "Men In Black" also netted Smith Grammy awards in each of two successive years for Best Rap Solo Performance. By 2000 the album was certified an impressive 9x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for nine million copies sold. See image above for the RIAA sales certification of this album*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA 3x Multi-Platinum award
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation award from 1998
- 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 13" x 17"
- Beautiful collectors item for any Will Smith fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA 3x Multi-Platinum award is a first presentation award that would have been manufactured in 1998 making this award 24 years old. 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 Smith, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, Ricky Martin, George Michael 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 to Excellent condition with only 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