Kanye West was the biggest songwriter in the US in Q3, with 39 certifications

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has announced the top songwriters for Q3 2020, including the top songwriter for the period.

During July, August and September of 2020, 1,775 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded.

Kanye West, who is published by Sony/ATV, was the top songwriter overall with 39 certifications.

He was followed by Lil Wayne, published by Warner/Chappell, with 25 certifications.

In partnership with the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program, NMPA finds and certifies the songwriters and publishers of RIAA-certified singles.

RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams towards its Gold (500,000), Platinum (1 million) and Multi-Platinum (2m+) thresholds.

Thousands of songwriters have been recognized since NMPA’s program began in 2007

The full list of songwriters and publishers honored in Q3 can be found here.

Lil Baby, who is also published by UMPG, was the top songwriter in Q1, with 22 certifications.

J. Cole (published by Universal Music Publishing Group) was the top overall songwriter in Q2, with 21 certifications.

“Kanye West’s enormous number of certifications, for songs including Love Lockdown, Heartless, Power and Good Life, all of which were certified 3x Multi-Platinum and above, prove that iconic songs endure, even through a crisis.”

David Israelite, NMPA 

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said: “As the country continues to endure the effects of COVID-19, it is encouraging to see how much people are listening to music.

“Kanye West’s enormous number of certifications, for songs including Love Lockdown, Heartless, Power and Good Life, all of which were certified 3x Multi-Platinum and above, prove that iconic songs endure, even through a crisis.

“This program exemplifies the importance of music, and we congratulate all of the 1032 songwriters certified this quarter, whose work is bringing relief through this difficult time.”Music Business Worldwide