the diamond disc is the highest certification in music. In France, an album earns this title as soon as it exceeds 500,000 sales or equivalent streaming services, in accordance with the rules of the SNEP (National Union of the Phonographic Industry). Here are the French artists who have earned this certification.
There are four certification levels, from lowest to highest:
- Disc of’silver
- Disc of’gold
- Disc of platinum
- Disc of diamond
For a album, the certification thresholds are as follows:
- Gold Record: 50,000 copies
- Platinum record: 100,000 copies
- Diamond blade: 500,000 copies
For a single, the calculation is based primarily on the streaming. In fact, it is the rise of streaming that has caused the number of certifications to skyrocket in recent years.
Other artists such as Jul Where Werenoi are also approaching these thresholds, driven by massive listening volumes on the platforms.
Orelsan with the album *Civilisation*
Orelsan and his album Civilization top this list with an impressive record. Released on November 19, 2021, the project has surpassed the 500,000 copies sold in just five months and ten days. It's the the fastest-selling album in French rap, according to the certifications of the SNEP.
His success stems from a combination of physical sales, downloads, and streams. This mix of high-energy tracks and introspective songs has appealed to a wide audience, far beyond the usual rap fans.
Grand Corps Malade on the album *Mesdames*
ladies of Grand Corps Malade was released on September 11, 2020 and earned his diamond disc starting the following year. The concept is simple but effective: each song is sung with a female artist, hence the album's title.
Streaming numbers skyrocketed and drove sales up to the threshold of 500,000 copies. A real hit with the public for such a personal project.
Ninho on the album M.I.L.S 3.0
Ninho made a big splash with M.I.L.S 3.0, released on March 13, 2020. The album has surpassed 500,000 sales and earned his diamond disc.
Buoyed by a flood of singles and a steady stream of streams, the rapper has established himself as one of the French rappers the most listened-to songs from France that year. In fact, several songs have earned multiple certifications platinum and diamond individually.
Johnny Hallyday on the album *Johnny*
The presence of Johnny Hallyday It's no surprise to see it on this list. This giant of the French rock had a profound impact on its era, and its album Johnny, released on October 25, 2019 (almost two years after his death), it immediately sparked a massive craze.
Physical sales, downloads, and streams combined quickly propelled the project beyond the 500,000 copies, earning him the diamond disc from SNEP. This certification confirms the fans’ enduring loyalty to the’artist, whose career was already filled with awards.
Vitaa and Slimane on the album *VersuS*
VersuS, it is the meeting of Vitaa and Slimane, two leading figures in French music. Released on August 22, 2019 The album quickly shot up the charts and won over the public.
He crossed the threshold of the 500,000 copies sold including physical sales, downloads, and streams. The duo even followed it up with a sequel, a testament to its enormous success, and “VersuS” remains one of the biggest pop hits of recent years in France.
Nekfeu on the album *Les Étoiles vagabondes / Expansion*
Les Étoiles Vagabondes : Expansion of Nekfeu was released in June 2019. This project left a lasting impression with its introspective atmosphere and surprise release.
Buoyed by popular songs and a strong fan base, he crossed the 500,000 sales and won the Diamond Disc Certification from SNEP.
PNL on the album *Deux frères*
Two Brothers of PNL was released on April 5, 2019 through the label QLF Records. This is the third studio album by the duo formed by the brothers Ademo and N.O.S.
As soon as it was released, it shattered streaming records in France, racking up plays across all platforms at a breakneck pace. The result: the diamond disc won that same year, with more than 500,000 copies certified by the SNEP.
Ninho on the album *Destin*
Destiny of Ninho was released on March 22, 2019. It quickly surpassed the 500,000 copies in sales and streaming equivalents.
This certification confirms the importance of Ninho one of the most-streamed artists in France. You can find his gold records and other certifications on the official website of the SNEP.
Lomepal on the album *Jeannine*
Released in 2018, Jeannine is the second studio album by Lomepal. He quickly rose through the French charts, driven by his distinctive style and tracks tailor-made for streaming.
As I crossed the 500,000 sales, he won the diamond disc from SNEP, in addition to six platinum-certified singles.
Why did it leave such a lasting impression? Because Lomepal has successfully blended rap, song, and personal confessions. This approach has resonated with a wide audience, far beyond hip-hop fans.
Soprano on the album *Phoenix*
Soprano rounds out this list with his album Phoenix, released on November 9, 2018 in France.
The album blends rap, songs, and pop sounds that appeal to a wide audience. Physical sales, downloads, and streams combined have pushed the total past 500,000 copies, earning him the diamond disc from SNEP.
Phoenix confirms the status of Soprano among the best-selling albums in the French music industry. This chart illustrates the diversity of popular music in France, ranging from rap to chanson to rock.
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