billboard or platinum plaque

I was listening to a new interview with Russ (if you’re new to the Notes, Russ is an independent rapper that I am a huge fan of and have written and spoken about numerous times in the past) and he said something that spoke to me.

He and the host discussed his success as an artist and how he doesn’t have many Billboard hits, but he has multiple songs that have gone platinum numerous times. Russ explained how charting on Billboard is a short-term and sometimes popularity game—many artists make it on Billboard, but a year later, no one plays their songs.

He asked what’s more important—what’s a better symbol of “success”...having a song popular for a short time or having a song that stands the test of time and continues to be listened to for years, ultimately making Platinum status.

I’m not sure there is a “right” answer–it depends on your goals.

But, I think many of us (my Self included) are stuck thinking about Billboard success when we should be thinking about Platinum status.

When I think about my goals, the impact I seek to make is Platinum status, not Billboard, and Russ’s interview reminded me of this.

No right answer…do you want to be Billboard or Platinum?

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC