On October 4, 2025, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed what many in the hip-hop world had already begun to suspect: Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 collaboration "goosebumps" is now officially the highest-certified rap song in U.S. history. With its 17x platinum status—meaning more than 17 million units sold—the haunting track from Scott’s Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight has leapfrogged over Drake’s "God’s Plan," which previously reigned supreme at 16x platinum, to claim the crown.
This milestone, as reported by Hypebeast, is not just a victory for Scott and Lamar but a testament to the song’s remarkable staying power. Released as a single in December 2016, "goosebumps" was quick to achieve its first platinum certification by March 2017. Yet, unlike some chart-toppers that fade from memory, this track has only grown in stature, streaming numbers, and cultural impact. It peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached No. 21 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and even clinched the top spot on the Rhythmic chart—a sign of its cross-genre appeal.
But what makes "goosebumps" such an enduring phenomenon? According to Ratings Game Music, the answer lies in the song’s "haunting production and Kendrick Lamar’s razor-sharp verse," which together transformed what could have been a typical hit into an anthem that, even years later, still manages to send chills down listeners’ spines. The chemistry between Scott and Lamar is undeniable, with the former’s atmospheric flair and the latter’s lyrical precision creating a track that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Streaming platforms have only amplified the song’s reach. With more than 2.95 billion streams on Spotify alone, "goosebumps" has become one of the most-played rap songs on the platform—a staggering achievement that speaks to its broad appeal and the way it’s woven itself into the fabric of modern hip-hop playlists. It’s not just a favorite among die-hard fans; it’s a staple for anyone even remotely interested in rap or pop music in the last decade.
For Travis Scott, "goosebumps" is just one of several RIAA-certified hits, but it stands out for its relentless upward trajectory. As HotNewHipHop notes, Scott has two tracks that have reached diamond status (equivalent to 10 million units sold): "SICKO MODE" with Drake from 2018’s ASTROWORLD, and "goosebumps" itself. The latter hit diamond on August 28, 2024, already boasting 13 million copies moved at that point. Just a day later, it notched its 15th platinum certification, and by November, it was at 16x platinum—tying with "God’s Plan" for the top rap song at the time. But Scott and Lamar weren’t done yet. By October 3, 2025, the track had jumped to 17x platinum, putting them "in a league of their own," as Kurrco reported.
It’s worth noting that "goosebumps" isn’t just a rap juggernaut; it now sits among the most certified songs across all genres. It’s tied at 17x platinum with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’s "Old Town Road," Imagine Dragons’ "Radioactive," and Chris Stapleton’s "Tennessee Whiskey." Only a handful of songs have gone further: Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’" and Ed Sheeran’s "Thinking Out Loud" are both at 18x platinum, while Post Malone and Swae Lee’s "Sunflower" leads the pack at 20x platinum. That’s some rarefied air, and it puts "goosebumps" in the conversation with the biggest pop and rock anthems of the streaming era.
The journey to this point hasn’t been a straight shot. When Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight dropped in 2016, it didn’t immediately receive the mainstream acclaim that Scott’s later work—most notably ASTROWORLD—would enjoy. Yet, as Ratings Game Music points out, the album "quietly produced some of Travis’s most enduring records." Alongside "goosebumps," tracks like "beibs in the trap" and "pick up the phone" showcased Scott at his most atmospheric and experimental. It’s a testament to the album’s depth that one of its songs would go on to break industry records nearly a decade later.
Kendrick Lamar, for his part, continues to rack up accolades and maintain his place at the top of the rap game. While some debate the merits of his recent output, there’s no denying, as HotNewHipHop puts it, that his "older stuff is pretty timeless and stays in constant rotation." The success of "goosebumps" is just one more feather in his already crowded cap. And with the 2026 Grammy Awards on the horizon, Lamar, Scott, and Drake are all set to compete for more honors. Lamar has submitted tracks like "GOOD CREDIT," Clipse’s "Chains & Whips," his SZA collaborations "30 For 30" and "luther," as well as GNX for a host of categories. Drake, not to be outdone, is aiming for wins with his latest project alongside PARTYNEXTDOOR, while Scott has submitted his JACKBOYS 2 for Best Rap Album.
Of course, the race for the most-certified rap song is never truly over. Drake’s "God’s Plan" remains a cultural touchstone, and if there’s one thing the Toronto superstar knows, it’s how to stage a comeback. But for now, "goosebumps" stands alone—an achievement that cements Scott and Lamar as one of hip-hop’s most legendary pairings.
As Hip Hop All Day succinctly put it on social media, "Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar’s 'goosebumps' is now officially the highest-certified rap song in HISTORY." That kind of milestone isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the way a song can capture a moment, define an era, and—years later—still give listeners, well, goosebumps.
With its record-breaking streak, "goosebumps" has not only reshaped the rap landscape but also carved out a place among the greatest hits of all time, proving that sometimes, the most enduring songs are the ones that never really leave your head—or your playlist.
