The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has revealed the top songwriters for the third quarter of 2023, recognizing the leading artist-songwriter and non-performing songwriter of the period from July to September 2023.
During the three-month period, a total of 1,793 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded.
Rapper and record producer Tyler, the Creator was hailed as the top artist-songwriter after securing more than 17 certifications including the 5X Platinum EARFQUAKE, the 4X Platinum See You Again, and the Double Platinum NEW MAGIC WAND.
Tyler, the Creator is a multifaceted artist, co-founding the hip-hop collective Odd Future in 2007, becoming its leader and being known for his early horrorcore-influenced raps.
Since releasing his debut mixtape Bastard in 2009, Tyler has since produced six studio albums, including the Grammy-nominated Flower Boy and Grammy Award-winning Call Me If You Get Lost. His music explores various genres, from alternative hip-hop and neo-soul to jazz rap.
“Hip hop dominated Q3 with huge showings by Tyler, The Creator and Jon Brion. Tyler had an astounding number of songs certified – a testament to his innovative style.”
David Israelite, NMPA
He currently has more than 31 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 5 million subscribers on YouTube.
Beyond music, Tyler, the Creator (born Tyler Gregory Okonma) also ventured into fashion designing. He founded the streetwear brand Golf Wang in 2011. He is also into filmmaking, directing music videos under the name Wolf Haley.
Tyler, the Creator is published by Sony Music Publishing.
Meanwhile, Jon Brion claimed the title of the top non-performing songwriter on the NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program, amassing nine certifications for songs such as the Platinum-certified Small Worlds, Ladders, Hurt Feelings, and Come Back to Earth, all recorded by Mac Miller. Brion is published by Kobalt.
“We are pleased to see Jon [brion] recognized for his prolific work with Mac Miller whose honors will undoubtedly continue even in his tragic absence.”
David Israelite, NMPA
“Hip hop dominated Q3 with huge showings by Tyler, The Creator and Jon Brion. Tyler had an astounding number of songs certified – a testament to his innovative style,” said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite.
“We are pleased to see Jon recognized for his prolific work with Mac Miller whose honors will undoubtedly continue even in his tragic absence. Jon’s songwriting achievements show how his work continues to resonate. Congratulations to these incredible creators.”
In partnership with the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) Gold & Platinum Program, the NMPA acknowledges and certifies the songwriters and publishers behind RIAA-certified singles.
When assessing the Gold (500,000), Platinum (1 million), and Multi-Platinum (2 million or more) milestones, the RIAA considers both sales and on-demand streams.
Since its establishment in 2007, the NMPA program has celebrated the talent and artistry of numerous songwriters, recognizing thousands for their contributions. Other recipients of the NMPA Gold & Platinum Program include filmmaker and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda in Q2 2023, and country star Luke Combs in Q1 2023.
Previous recipients include Beyoncé, Juice WRLD, Kane Brown, Lil Nas X, Kanye West, J.Cole and Lil Baby.
Music Business Worldwide