Legendary R&B group New Edition has achieved their first singles awards from the RIAA in over 25 years.
“Can You Stand the Rain,” from their 1988 album Heart Break, is now 2x multi-platinum due to sales of two million equivalent units, making it their most certified song to date.
The track was written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and it spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (then known as Hot Black Singles), starting Feb. 4, 1989.
“If It Isn’t Love,” another song lifted from Heart Break, has achieved platinum status for selling one million units.
It was another Jam & Lewis original that produced tremendous success, peaking at No. 2 on the R&B chart. It also reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the group their second of four top 10s on the popular singles chart.
It’s worth noting that New Edition’s Heart Break album was certified 2x multi-platinum in 1994. It’s the group’s third multi-platinum album, following their self-titled and Home Again.
New Edition also picked up a gold certification for “Mr. Telephone Man,” which is featured on their self-titled sophomore album. Released as the second single from that 1984 set, the track climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Mr. Telephone Man” fared better on R&B charts, going to No. 1 for three straight weeks.
As previously mentioned, it has been 26 years since New Edition received a new RIAA award. The last time they were presented with one was in February 1997 for Home Again reaching double platinum status. Additionally, that album’s single, “I’m Still In Love With You,” received a gold plaque one month prior to that.
The Legacy Tour was a nationwide tour undertaken by New Edition earlier this year. Keith Sweat, Guy and Tank joined them on the spring trek powered by Black Promoters Collective.
In 2021, it was announced that Creative Arts Agency (CAA) would represent New Edition globally for touring, TV/film, theater, and other ventures. Although there were discussions of a Las Vegas residency, it ultimately did not come to fruition.
Watch New Edition’s video for “If It Isn’t Love” below.
