Cardi B and Russ are two artists who've taken their stardom to new heights in 2017, and their most recent certifications are proof. Last month, Cardi's ubiquitous single "Bodak Yellow" and Russ' standout debut album There's Really a Wolf were both certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Cardi's "Bodak Yellow," which recently landed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, attained the gold certification on Aug. 22, while Russ' There's Really a Wolf officially went gold this past Monday (Aug. 28).

For Cardi, this certification is just another sign pointing toward her arrival as a legitimate rap star. One of those signs came this past Sunday (Aug. 27), when she took the stage to perform "Bodak Yellow" at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show. Before that, Drake brought the Bronx-bred spitter out onto the stage at his 2017 OVO Fest in Toronto. It's safe to say she's making money moves.

For his part, Russ, who recently donated $35,000 to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, has made his mark with solid lyricism, dynamic musicality and a surprisingly strong singing voice. It doesn't seem all that likely There's Really a Wolf will be his last gold record.

Shout outs to both Cardi and Russ. We expect to accomplish much more throughout the rest of 2017 and beyond.

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