When it comes to music, it's a very subjective experience for everyone. Hip-hop fans gravitate toward their personal preferences, no matter the record sales, and one man's trash is another's treasure. But those numbers don't lie. The Recording Industry Association of America has, better known as the RIAA, has been responsible for tracking the sales of music for years, with its award system of gold, platinum and diamond status serving as the benchmark that helps define actual commercial achievement. For many artists, once those numbers are hit, the overall success of their project from a business standpoint is solidified.

The gold certification, originally established in the 1950s, awards albums or songs that meet or surpass a minimum of 500,000 units. It's interesting to bear in mind that there is no time limit on when the certification has to take place, so it's possible that older records can achieve gold long after the fact. Thus far in 2016, we've seen a number of projects reach gold status -- a few of them long overdue.

For example, Wale's 2011 effort, The Ambition, which includes the smash record "Lotus Flower Bomb" featuring Miguel, and Waka Flocka Flame's 2010 breakout hit single "Hard in da Paint," both received gold plaques this year. Meek Mill's first two hits, "I'm a Boss" and "House Party," featuring Young Chris, both reached gold status this summer (three days apart, oddly enough). There were also big summer smashes that tipped the 500,000 scale this year, such as MadeinTYO's infectious "Uber Everywhere," Future's "Wicked" and DJ Khaled's Jay Z and Future-assisted "I Got the Keys."

From A$AP Rocky to Gucci Mane and more, there are plenty of rappers who have earned gold certifications this year. Here are 32 rappers going gold in 2016.

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