Hip hop duo Creepy Nuts become first Japanese act to claim two RIAA Golds
The pair’s songs ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’ & ‘Otonoke’ each surpassed 500,000 units, setting a new precedent for Japanese hip hop in the United States
Hi hop duo Creepy Nuts have become the first Japanese artists to receive RIAA Gold certification for two Japanese-language songs in the United States.
Their tracks Bling-Bang-Bang-Born and Otonoke were each certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking a milestone for Japanese-language hip-hop in the U.S. market.
Gold certification, awarded by the RIAA, represents more than 500,000 units sold or streamed in the United States.
‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’, which generated more than 900 million streams globally and reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Global 20, received certification in February 2025.
‘Otonoke’ was reported as the most-streamed Japanese song overseas in 2025, and received ceritification in August 2025.
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Formed by rapper R-Shitei, a three-time national rap battle champion in Japan, and DJ Matsunaga, a world champion DJ known for his technical turntablism, the duo has expanded its international profile alongside its commercial success.
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In February last year, Creepy Nuts headlined the Tokyo Dome, drawing approximately 50,000 attendees, and later completed a sold-out Asia tour spanning five cities.
The duo is scheduled to continue its international expansion in 2026 with a U.S. tour that includes an appearance at the Coachella, as well as shows in New York, Chicago, and Mexico City.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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