RIAA Gold Album award for Ini Kamoze's single "Here Comes The Hotstepper". Released on Aug. 26, 1994 it was certified Gold on Oct. 28, 1994 for 500,000 copies sold.
The track from the Jamaican dancehall artist topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and hit #4 on the UK chart in 1994. It was also featured on the soundtrack to the film Prêt-à-Porter. By late 1994 the track was certified Platinum by the RIAA for one million sold. See image above for RIAA sales certifications of this single through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Single award
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation award from 1994
- Presentation to music industry executive
- All original with manufacturers sticker
- Letter of provenance included
- Award measures approx. 13" x 17"
- Known as a "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-1997
- Great collectors item for any fan of Ini Kamoze, the “lyrical gangster”
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This is a first presentation RIAA Gold Single award that would have been manufactured in 1994 making it 28 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 Kamoze, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, 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 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