Kendrick Lamar’s landmark 2012 album good kid, m.A.A.d city has officially crossed the 10 million album-equivalent units mark in the United States, making it eligible for Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The milestone arrives as Kendrick keeps a relatively low profile following the conclusion of his massive Grand National world tour. Yet even in quiet moments, his catalog continues to move like a current release. According to figures shared by Hip Hop All Day, the Compton rapper’s major-label debut has now joined one of hip-hop’s most exclusive clubs, cementing its status as a generational classic.
Released in 2012, good kid, m.A.A.d city is widely regarded as one of the most influential rap albums of the modern era. Its cinematic storytelling, layered production, and deeply personal narrative helped redefine what a mainstream hip-hop album could be. Nearly 14 years later, the project continues to resonate with new listeners while maintaining strong streaming numbers across platforms.
In comparison, Kendrick’s next most commercially successful album is DAMN. (2017), which has surpassed 9 million album-equivalent units in the U.S. and is also approaching Diamond territory. Despite this, several of Kendrick’s albums and singles that qualify for updated RIAA certifications remain unclaimed, with no official explanation from his camp.
Still, the lack of formal plaques does little to diminish the achievement. Few albums maintain cultural relevance and commercial longevity at this level, especially more than a decade after release. The enduring interest in the good kid, m.A.A.d city era was further highlighted in late 2025, when a previously unreleased track surfaced online, drawing attention for its use of Radiohead’s Kid A opener, “Everything In Its Right Place.”
As time passes, good kid, m.A.A.d city continues to stand as both a commercial triumph and a defining artistic statement—proof that Kendrick Lamar’s impact extends far beyond chart positions and release cycles
