If streaming is the future, then the future is officially upon us.
It’s no secret that the advent of music streaming has been rapid, vast, and unrelenting. However, if there was any doubt that we’re definitively in the streaming “era” it’s dashed courtesy of telling new statistics.
Details below…
Today the RIAA revealed that in 2015 streaming officially became the largest source of revenue for the US music industry – overtaking digital downloads and physical sales.
Peruse the chart below…
Per the report, all parts of the streaming music market grew last year, and total streaming revenues exceeded $2 billion for the first time ever. Combining all categories of streaming music (subscription, ad-supported on-demand, and SoundExchange distributions), revenues grew 29% to $2.4 billion in 2015.
These figures will no doubt have influenced the RIAA’s recent decision to include streams in their Gold and Platinum album certifications, a move which came after Billboard begun factoring streams into chart placements. The latter, when introduced, controversially saw the ‘Empire’ season 1 soundtrack best Madonna‘s ‘Rebel Heart’ album on the Billboard 200 – despite selling less physical units.
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If there’s one thing that is consistent in life – it’s change. And times are a’changing.
It’s a weird one for us.
Because, like many of you, we were reared in an era of not too distant past where physical sales were the main determiner of what was hot and what was..well…not.
Yet, we’ve quite literally seen the emergence and now dominance of digital streaming. Hence, we’ve also observed the necessity for all – artists and fans alike – to adapt to the times.
It’s interesting because it’s clear that this is just the beginning. As the industry shape-shifts and acclimatises to the new “way,” we imagine it’ll will bring about fiercer competition between the Spotifys, TIDALs, Apple Musics, and the like. Which in turn should see each platform strive to push exclusivity from top artists to drive subscriber numbers.
What’s more, with streaming now the most lucrative source of revenue for music’s main players, it’s only a matter of time before albums debut on streaming platforms prior to hitting physical or digital retail. There’s money to be made and streaming is the primary way to make it.
That said, there continues to be debate on the artist side about how much of that revenue they ever receive (see: TIDAL artist-owners main argument), as well as among feuding fans who are struggling to rationalise how an act that isn’t selling is somehow charting.
We want to throw it over to you, though…
Is this latest revelation a reminder of the need to “adapt or die” or an indication that the industry itself is dying?
Let us know below…
This is sad tbh
This is why the industry is falling apart. Ever crazy stan not fan on here is concerned with #1 hits (which at this point anyone can hit 1 theses days, can reach any achievement done naturally by the legends who broke records are simply cheating by using streams instead of actual sells (money)
Streaming, lack of label support from labels and lack of promo for artist is what killed the industry these 3 factors is the reason why album sales are so low
Oh well. I love spotify as it is easy, efficient and allows me to listen to my music whenever I want.
Artists, deal with it.
And I have to say it…
Rihanna is the sole force of both the digital and digital streaming era. The best selling digital artist of all time and the most streamed female artist globally. She literally is the artist to truly reign in both eras. #IMPACT.
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Yes, ANTIs pure sales have underperformed but the album alone has been streamed 650+ million times so far and is already the 8th most streamed album in global history and it’s the only album that’s been out for less than 3 months at that and is currently the fifth most streamed album in the USA EVER!
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Who else but the digital and streaming queen!!!
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This is good news though – there are now separate charts for pure sales as BB200 is now all about popularity with SEAs and TEAs.
DELUSIONAL.
Lmaoo ciara is even losing in the streaming age no one buys her albums and no one streams her albums heara has been losing since 2008
Poor ciara no one wants to stream her
Adapt or Die
feuding fans who are struggling to rationalise how an act that isn’t selling is charting.”
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DEATH! It’s interesting how things have changed in the past ten years. Music of the Sun (Rihanna’s worst performing album) sold double the amount that Anti has, and yet it hasn’t got the chart positions it does. There is definitely a difference between going out to the store to physically purchase something for $9.99, in contrast to pressing a button on an app and being able to access any music you want for a subscription. Or better yet giving away 1 million copies for free. Interesting!!!
Does anybody even own CD players anymore? No. That’s because times changed and times will continue to change. There’s no difference in having an M** to streaming. In fact, it gives consumers more opportunity to listen to music that they like legally, rather than flock to piratebay in which case, nobody is making any money whatsover.
They don’t even make cars with CD players anymore I know Honda is one of those that don’t . But one has to adapt or they die
Streaming is for lazy people I miss record stores this s*** needs to be stopped and people need to buy physical cds again that way we see who comes out on top I stil love and buy physical cds from my fave artists (Beyonce Mariah Rihanna JLo Chris Brown)
Lol and even in the streaming age ciara is still flopping no one buys ciara’s albums or stream her albums ciara is such a loser
*waits for that ignorant cinnamon girl thot to reply*
Ciara has your MIND sis. Worry about WHALEriah and her has been Vegas and reality shows.
Mariah’s vegas residency has grossed more than heara’s whole networth
Thats most likely tyler in hiding hes been dragging ciara alot lately.
LOL little lamb chop, you betta DRAGGGGG! Ci-T*****/Cilantro been flopping hard!!!! ? She used to be an icon for the trans community til Bruce snatched her wig ?
*Caitlyn ??????
Sis you Stan for a thief who has halitosis. Has Formation topped the bubbling under charts yet?
Ci-T***** is a hermaphrodite that hasn’t had a top ten since 2010 or a number 1 since 2004. Cyrus Beene can’t even afford clean water or food. Sis why was your fave’s stomach growling in that Nigerian interview???? ?#IDon’tKnowWhenMyNextMealsComing
@Jackie IM SCREAMING SIS!
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Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100: #7(-1) Formation, @Beyonce [5 weeks]. *peak #4*
Billboard Hot 100: Ci-T***** – error 404 not found
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CRACKIE. [US – 62,231, WW- 101,00]
???? btw decide which name you want me to scalp you under. One person commenting under two names is tew much !!!
Kiiii the hive is losing their minds Rihanna has taken the crown from ?yonce and you girls dont know how to act… Now the hive wants to drag Ciara because formation is flopping harder than a rerun of On The Run hbo special.
Kii you know I don’t usually come for Bey, but if the Hive tries it then f*** ha! Not “I’m Out” charting higher than Formation. I cannot.
Why is the clïtless dyyyke @Moldy-Asshole indirecting in my replies!!!! Ci-Error is BROKE! She was dropped from her record label, and she has a cheap engagement ring given to her by a GAY man (his ex-fiancee had a more expensive ring). She’s not even on our radars and the Billboard bubbling under, 200 and hot 100 do NOT see her. No wonder your hiding under Rihœ!!!
You’ve come for beyonce plenty of times before, you just like to cling to her when it suits you. Weren’t you the same one saying ‘talent recognises talent’ but then you come for her?!?! B*****, try me again with that fake 2faced sh*T and we will FVCK AROUND!!!
@Jackie the hive all of a sudden hates Ciara now that I’ve disowned them even tho im rocking a Selena avi they wanna bring Ci in the mix.. Hahaha They’re hurt.
Lemme know when you’re done talking to yourself. Go and pick out a coffin b*****
Lol that Cinannamon girl got dragged for filth the other day so now it decided to use her other account
I know right no one these days have time to buy no albums it’s easier to stream on phones and Ipad you get a cd for the car I’m proud of rih people laugh about her selling 170000 this girl still gave her 170000 fans thanks she has a heart of gold and appreciate whatever little she accomplish that’s why she,will always win the heart of people like the real queen that she is grateful grateful rih rih
And that’s y rih is that bych! Ahead of the curve
What you described is really what I feel is the real reason why ppl aren’t buying albums. I know I have personally felt cheated so many times after getting an album only to realise that there isn’t anything as good or better than the single. Artists nowadays put little to no thought into albums and to say streaming is the future/solution is a little problematic. Because if the problem of bad, uninspired music isn’t solved, then even streaming will be shortlived and will eventually give way to something even more convenient to condumers that will be more destructive to the music industry.
I mean what do you expect. Artist make a cd with 5 good songs and the rest fillers… why would we as consumers pay $10 for a CD when you can pay 10$ per month and listen to as many albums as you want? Beyonce and Drake are the only mainstream artist that make ALBUMS that you can listen to IMO. Guess that’s why they always snatch a plaque.
What you described is really what I feel is the real reason why ppl aren’t buying albums. I know I have personally felt cheated so many times after getting an album only to realise that there isn’t anything as good or better than the single. Artists nowadays put little to no thought into albums and to say streaming is the future/solution is a little problematic. Because if the problem of bad, uninspired music isn’t solved, then even streaming will be shortlived and will eventually give way to something even more convenient to condumers that will be more destructive to the music industry.
The industry is already dead.
This was gonna happen eventually there are so many different ways to consume music. Why buy an mediocre album when you can stream it for free.
This is the type of mentality which results in the industry being the way it is. It sucks so let’s stream it not regarding that the person spent long hours and spent a lot of money to record. Be honest babe did you really buy Jackie?
Stream Queen I have a Spotify subscription..
So in other words, NO she didn’t hahaha
Music industry is changing, everything is not gonna be the same forever. Each generation brings a change in music consumption. in this digital era most people don’t just but cds anymore, rather they prefer to stream, or download the tracks they like. The old artist like Whitney,Michael Jackson & many others won’t sell that much in this generation. Back in those days there is nothing like piracy, download or streams people just hear one or two tracks on the radio & TV they rush out & buys the album. It’s harder to sell physical album now than in the oldies. I wish people will just understand it & stop thrashing artist of this generation. The fact that adele & Taylor Swift are the only artist of this generation that easily sell millions, even tho they are not as talented as the old artist, This simply shows this generation just don’t want to buy album they just want to illegally download it, streams it & listen to it on the radio that’s all. It’s really sad but it’s true. At least Rihanna is the leading power of this generation when it comes to streams & downloads so kuddos to her
Preach boo… These girls need to get with the times and stop living in the past.
If streaming was around in the 90’s music box would have been certified 20x platinum in the u.s alone
Meanwhile, “New Romantics” is failing even worse than “Out of the Woods” in terms of radio support and streaming. ? Is Ms. Swift’s takeover of pop music finally over? Have her fans finally grown up and moved on to a more mature pop artist? While she’s posting IG pics of her poking that flat booty out and hugging up on Calvin, let’s see if the story is to be continued. ??
Child I hope so, Ariana and Tori come get this b**** off he charts.
gdhdjsjdjd ??? ANNALISE CALLED CIARA, ‘CILANTRO’ I’M SCREAMINYGGGGXHDHDJD
I know this may be a stretch but do we really need to count streams or better yet, any kind of purchase anymore? I feel as though times have really changed and the value of an artist being “certified” due to just access to the music is pretty worthless. If anything this is just bragging rights for an artist but when you have an artist who’s certified off of digital DL & streams but compare that to older artists who were certified based off of $15 & up physical copies it seems like a complete joke to me for that digital “achievement”. RIAA & Billboard have become a mess. I think for real bragging rights we should start counting tours.
I think counting streaming is fine BUT the way they do it is suspect. For example, what actually counts as streaming an album? Does it count as an album stream even if u only listen to one song? Its a mess and they need to clarify these things.
x10
And the biggest digital artist in the world is leading the pack.
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Not only is she the biggest digital artist in terms of sales, she is also GLOBALLY the most streamed female artist.
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The biggest digital artist also added 1 million subscribers to Tidal.
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That means Rih is getting paid this era, yes ma’am.
Last year Rihanna saved Dreamworks Studios (Pest said Home would flop) and Puma (Pest asked who buys Pumas?) and now look. This year she’s saving Tidal, Roc Nation and Samsung. That power in that name!
And when they said Rihanna is the most marketable celebrity, the hive flooded is with tears lmao
Yet she can’t sell her own arena tix ?
Y’all were still on that old and now dead way of music, Rihanna BEEN four five steps ahead of your faves. New Queen Of Pop! Hi haters! And the fact that people won’t even click on your fave’s music, leaving it in the bubbling under chart.
Anti has been streamed over 650 million times in its two month release. At this rate, it might go down in history as the highest most streamed album GLOBALLY, EVER
Lol
TIDAL × TIDAL × TIDAL
Streaming is the bomb.com!!!
Flop! Not the Navy clinging to streams because it’s the only reason their fave is #1. #17k. No one is purchasing anything. 4 and Artpop would never lol.
Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100: #7(-1) Formation, @Beyonce [5 weeks]. *peak #4*
Anything by Ciara = N/A
Too bad thats a lie Ciara last single DLWML actually charted on hot 100 unlike Failmation.
GOODNIGHT! And it’s 5:18 pm here. But with that comment, I’m out!
What the hell is DLWML? Never heard of it.
Don’t y’all find it interesting how Mark & LB conveniently comment at the same time in each post?
*sips püssy water*
Can Beyonce just release her album so she can outSELL Anti in 1 week and we get a good kii or two.
not you trying to shade rih when the pink slip was only certified based on streams
Never denied that. Rihanna fans need to check themselves though with the double standards.
As a consumer why would I pay $10-$15 for one album when I can pay $10 a month to stream countless albums? I would never purchase an album I can access on Spotify.
I can’t support the artist when I can barely support myself ??
As ‘streaming’ becomes the biggest source of monetary revenue in the music industry – and it is the main source for which all artists popularity is judge by today – and my favourite continues to remain the “most streamed female artist globally” alongside “the only Black female artist to have two songs and two albums in the all-time streamed songs and albums chart”…
I will continue to “cling” to ‘streaming’ points like my depended on it.
Of course, the haters will continue SEETHING and FUMING to the high heavens but what else is expected?
Very funny that now streaming is the be all and end all now their fave is relying purely on streams but it didn’t count when Nicki went 2x Platinum with TPP and Beyonce with Drunk. Now all of a sudden their fave is the Queen because of streams when her album still flopping harder than a fish outta water ?
Ciara fans comparing chart positions bwahaha
LMFAO what a KIIIIII!!! ??
But your fav can’t even chart ??? Queen of bubbling under ki Yonce serving us Rita Ora Teas
Why are you stalking all my comments with that one tired attempt at ‘dragging’. LOL. No one on this site claims you so you hop from hive and navy approval. You dont Stan Rihanna do why are you bothered by my comments!? Shoo pest. *Grabs fly swatter*
Not you stealing others drags kiiiii I LEFT THE F******* ASS BEYHIVE remember that. Who wants to be claimed by fat nasty insecure gay men ? The hive is trash im glad I dont fuckss with yall. #NavySlaysRoaches
K. You done?
iii the hive is losing their minds Rihanna has taken the crown from ?yonce and you girls dont know how to act… Now the hive wants to drag Ciara because formation is flopping harder than a rerun of On The Run hbo special.
I’m still waiting for te Navy to explain why Anti hasn’t outsold 4’s first week sales yet…
@Jackie the hive all of a sudden hates Ciara now that I’ve disowned them even tho im rocking a Selena avi they wanna bring Ci in the mix.. Hahaha They’re hurt.
B**** wtf are you going to do about it? Lynch us from a f****** tree?
You were talking mad s*** about Jackie AND Ciara . Now all of sudden you wanna claim the CSquad ??
This is pure comedy lol
Me and Jackie had a falling out and? We good now.
I really don’t give af Adolf Hitler
But you do sweetie you brought it up.
Why anyone would make amends with your white supremacist ass is beyond me but I digress….
Because im a dope ass bittch..
Lol SIKE! More like a racist ass b****.
February 26, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Molly says:
+12
-25
Vote
Only black gays, ghetto black girls, and insecure mexicans like Bey lets be serious
Reply
‘Me and Jackie had a falling out and? We good now.’
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So what? you forgave yourself, big whoop! Do you want a silver medal and balloons??? ….. you funky ass fupa-having hœ
B****** love bringing up Formation, yet it is not even a single. How tf can a Ciara stan discuss #s when Ciara, the singer has not been relevant since Missy was hot! And that was before Rihanna ass came over from the islands like come on! Cici was the gimmick before Gaga. Gaga is fashion and Cici sucks d***.
Ciaras recent single peaks
Body party #22
Im out #44
I bet #43
DLWML #99
Beyonces
Partion #23
XO #45
Pretty Hurt N/A
Formation N/A
Yall were saying? ???????????????????
SWEET JESUS ? I can’t at this weak feeble hóe continuing to indirect me. Since when did I become the entire HIVE lmao, cuz no-one else is even mentioning ci-t*****. @Moldy-vagïna go and write your will, cuz I’m gonna drag your scary suicidal ass into the afterlife, you muppet looking bítch.
You Tyler and Hailbeysus have been hating on Ciara ever since I said ? FUUUCK BEYONCE AND HIVE!!!!
Actually you were too gullible to realise what tf really went down. I personally have never stanned for Heara, but since you were my employee I chose to keep it cute. But whenever you weren’t around (which is rare because you’re here eating ass 24/7) i used to get my digs in! LOL, kiii thought you would have caught on?! LOL I been dragging her since 2014.
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[Here’s the receipt from the post when Ceasar gave birth]
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May 20, 2014 at 4:15 pm
HBIC_MamaPope says:
+1
0
Vote
Guess the doctor asked the baby how many more seconds of fame his mama had, and he said two fingers
Reply
May 20, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Basura Caliente says:
Vote
*DIES*
I wasn’t hive in 2014 only last year.
Nah, you wasn’t hive last year either @MoldyVàgina LOL the LIES YEW TELL!. B*tch who from the hive gave you validation?? Sis you wasn’t at the ceremony, don’t act like you got a free pass or membership. You were an employee sis, but you never sat with us. Is that clear?
Girl idc what you say we had some great kiiis together. You’ll forever be mad and bitter tho. Bye
Bitter over what? Shouldn’t your mouth be occupied with your pimp daddy’s cøck right now? BTW next time let me now if you want a normal burial or cremation! 🙂
Off with that b****** head. When her boss isn’t around her racist ass doesn’t know how to act!
F*** you! You lying racist ass b****.
I didn’t start dragging Ciara until AFTER you called me a “dark b****”. The gloves are off now h**.
^ lmao unstable beast
I was an a** yesterday….Now I’m a beast? Lol. RACCIIIISSSTTT
March 21, 2016 at 9:26 pm
Molly says:
Vote
Who raised you an a**?
Reply
And your favs a whale #OmgRacist
RACIST.
May 19, 2014 at 1:31 am
Molly says:
0
-13
Vote
Guess im RACIST like Iggy f**** it.
Lol SIKE! More like a racist b****
February 26, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Molly says:
+12
-25
Vote
Only black gays, ghetto black girls, and insecure mexicans like Bey lets be serious
Reply
Im sure you go to bed crying over those comments every night lol girl get a grip.
But you’re the one that wants to end your life. You actually have the REAL problems @MoleyMoleyMole. Like i said before, you enjoy being dragged because it validates your psychotic thoughts.
Whatever you say A***
You still alive?? #PoorDat *Sheree voice* #WhatYouGonDo!!!!!!
#Navy
THE MOST STREAMED FEMALE ARTISTS – GLOBALLY:
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2013) Rihanna – 1+ Billion Streams.
2014) Rihanna – 1+ Billion Streams.
2015) Rihanna – 2+ Billion Streams.
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THE MOST “STREAMED” ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME – GLOBALLY:
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1) X – Ed Sheeran
2) Beauty Behind The Madness – The Weeknd
3) If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late – Drake
4) Peace Is The Mission – Major Lazer
5) Stories – Avicii
6) Title – Meghan Trainor – 800+ Million Streams.
7 Marshall Mathers 2 – Eminem
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8) ANTI – RIHANNA – 2016: 655+ MILLION STREAMS (IN TWO MONTHS).#SLAYAGE.
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She will have the most streamed album by a female soon… he’s coming for Meghan!
@LB, @Mark, @SWISH… RIHANNA IS COMING FOR THE “MOST STREAMED ALBUM BY A FEMALE” title!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Wow! Molly you really are a racist like Iggy Iggz.
Congratulations *claps hands* ??
Streaming is the way of the world
Its ruined album sales but this is what the consumers want so artists must adapt
Y’all tried to drag the best selling digit artist ever because more people streamed her album than purchased which is pathetic , streaming is the world now
Girl you better let these bad built bitter hive know wassup.
Omg this is gonna annihilate some artist careers. LIKE WHAT IF CIARA DOESNT GO GOLD FROM PRE ALBUM SALES OR STREAMING??? This will be the true test. If you can’t make it in the streaming,digital or physical department them where the hell else could you go????
@Molly
Girl, do you see how Rihanna was able to rack up points of having 655 Million streams in TWO MONTHS? She will have the most streamed album by a female artist – globally – in a few weeks as she’ll easily surpass meghan’s record.NO WONDER THEY’RE MAD!!!!!!!! 655 MILLION STREAMS!!! 🙂
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Also, I’ve checked ciaras stats – she’s already the 17th most streamed female artist amongst women in the USA! That’s great for her!!! WAY more than jlo, ashanti, brandy, Monica etc. 🙂
Yaaas Rihanna out here slaying and breaking records this era im proud of ha ??
Also yes at Ciara for being number 17 thats good for her she isn’t a mainstream act. Where can I check to see who are the most streamed artist?
All Rihannas streams, physical sales etc etc added together won’t equal what ADELE or Taylor sold first week. Navy standards are so damn low.
The pink print tour tonight was so lit
Navy did you guys see Selena twerking to WORK????? It was sooooooooo CUTE.
Annalise, love, don’t you just love Kelly’s “Commander”? I heard Yonce sold-out another stadium over the weekend, but the media’s been paying the blogs to keep quiet about it. Ain’t that a mess? These pigs are so bothered by a black woman!! I really hope she extends the tour because she hasn’t been adding any new dates lately. ???
Yes I love Kelly and David as a recording duo! When Love Takes Over and Commander did really really well overseas, so that’s why I hope she does a double-disc for her next cd (one cd full of r&b, and the next full of dance bops). If she does all urban/r&bsoul I would LOVE it, but I know that it won’t perform well in the UK.
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Bey’s been killing it! If she adds another UK date, then my + my girls will definitely show up and show out hunni!!!!
Not buying the hype about this streaming crap. These charts are misleading. Don’t be fooled. Album still sale, sure streaming has come into play. But plenty of albums are still being purchased physically. Purchasing an actual album is not the ole way. It’s the best experience in terms of quality ect. Streaming is not tangible. Nothing can touch the physical album. Nothing. Physical/Digital/Streaming will all co-exist. Streaming is a cheap way to make it seem as though your album is a success. It’s not the same. There are so many artists still being certified for moving actual units. Certain fan bases want to hold on to streaming because their favorite high profiled artists ain’t selling. Physical albums will always play a part. Furthermore, you don’t not have to walk around with a CD player, people have cars, homes & nice lil systems to play their music from. Albums>Streams…. It’s too many artists still going gold/plat/multi-plat to try to keep using streaming as an excuse. Adele/Taylor/Beyonce/Sam Smith/Carrie/Pink/Nicki/Ed-Sheeran/Katy Perry/The Weeknd/Maroon5/Bieber/Bruno/JT/MeghanTrainor ect all get plaques. You have multiple ways to consume music. (Album wise). Physically, Digitally & vinyl. Streaming is weak & last. What do those pure sales look like? When all of those artists are still selling you aren’t exempt.
Fool poor and its sad bad
Y’all are mad cos Rihanna is the crown queen of this era. Watch Beyonce come for blood, she is gonna have her whole team & her ghost song writers stream her album & download it 24/7 just like she bought her last album lmao!! That Rihanna reign is untouchable.
You sound stupid AF!!! Anti ain’t got s*** on Self Title soon you will see how it’s done!!
People will purchase Beyonce’s album. She doesn’t need streaming. Those artists ain’t making much from streaming anyway. Rihanna is a steady seller, at least in terms of going platinum. But streaming is wamp wamp.