RIAA Gold Album Award for The Notorious B.I.G. album Ready To Die. Released on Sept. 13, 1994, it was certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 copies sold later that year on Nov. 16, 1994. Remember The Notorious B.I.G./Biggie Smalls (1972-1997) with this award.
The rapper's debut studio album was the only album released during the artist's lifetime, Singles released were "Juicy", "Big Poppa", and "One More Chance" "Big Poppa" reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1996. The album itself peaked at #15 on the Top 200 Albums rundown and #3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. By 2018 the album was certified 6x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for six million copies sold.*
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold Album award
- In VG to Excellent condition
- First presentation award made in 1997
- Presented to recording studio where the album was recorded
- All original
- Known as a RIAA "R hologram" award, they were made from 1990-97
- Award measures approx. 13" x 17”
- Great collectors item for any Notorious B.I.G. fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold Album award was manufactured in 1997, making it approx. 28 years old. It is presented to The Hit Factory®, the recording studio in New York City at which the album was recorded, along with studio owner the late Ed Germano, who owned the facility since 1975.
This award is in VG to Excellent condition with very minor mars on the plexiglass and frame. It is all original with although the manufacturer sticker has been torn off. Based on the sticker adhesive residue location, the award was made by Ill Eagle Enterprises. The numbered sticker on the back of the award is an inventory number from the recording studio.
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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
The Hit Factory® is a registered trademark of The Hit Factory Licensing LLC