Ciara and Chris Brown Celebrate Major Milestone as ‘How We Roll’ Hits Gold
In a summer packed with hits, high-energy tours, and bold collaborations, Ciara and Chris Brown’s track “How We Roll” has just hit a significant milestone: it’s officially certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking 500,000 units sold. For the music veterans and longtime friends, the success of “How We Roll” is more than just a chart-topping achievement—it’s a testament to their artistic evolution and lasting influence in the industry.
When Ciara announced her CiCi EP, fans were already hyped to hear fresh music from the singer who’s built a reputation for her powerful vocals, electrifying choreography, and trendsetting style. However, the news of a Chris Brown collaboration sent fan anticipation into overdrive. Ciara and Brown, who previously joined forces on “Turntables” from Ciara’s 2009 album Fantasy Ride, had kept fans waiting over a decade for another joint project.
The duo released “How We Roll” on August 4, 2023, as the lead single from CiCi. In an interview with Rated R&B, Ciara explained the excitement they both felt about finally coming together again: “It was so much fun working with Breezy because we have been wanting to work together for some time. We are so proud of what we made together and, most importantly, the growth we have had as artists.” Fans and critics alike praised the track’s effortless blend of Ciara’s flirty groove and Brown’s smooth vocals, creating an undeniable vibe that resonated widely across audiences.
With its infectious melody and catchy hook, “How We Roll” quickly climbed the charts. It reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart, marking Ciara’s second time at the top spot, while peaking at No. 6 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, No. 7 on Hot R&B Songs, and No. 9 on Rhythmic Airplay. The success didn’t stop at chart positions, as streaming platforms saw a surge in numbers—over 44 million streams on Spotify alone and a staggering 63 million views on the music video on YouTube.
Ciara and Brown’s performance at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards further cemented the song’s impact, as they won the award for Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Traditional). The RIAA Gold certification adds yet another impressive accolade to the song’s journey.
The song’s success also represents a major victory for Ciara’s independent label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, showcasing her ability to make waves in the industry outside of major-label support. For Ciara, this certification holds personal significance as her second RIAA award under Beauty Marks Entertainment, following her 2019 hit “Level Up,” which reached 2x platinum in June 2023.
Following the success of the original, Ciara treated fans to a remix featuring rapper Lil Wayne, adding fresh energy to the song and keeping it alive on playlists. She also continued to expand her reach with collaborations, joining forces with electronic music trio Keys N Krates and Christian rapper Hulvey.
As Ciara and Chris Brown celebrate the success of “How We Roll,” they continue to solidify their places as enduring forces in the industry. Their collaboration has not only reignited their musical chemistry but also thrilled fans with a glimpse into their evolution as artists. With Ciara’s CiCi EP still riding high and Chris Brown nominated for three Grammy Awards, it’s clear this is only the beginning of more accolades and achievements for both artists.