Kranium’s breakthrough hit “Nobody Has to Know” has earned gold certification in the United Kingdom, marking another major milestone for the Jamaican-born singer more than a decade after the song’s release.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) issued the gold certification on Friday, Jan. 16, recognizing sales and streaming figures exceeding 400,000 units. The achievement adds to the song’s international success, following platinum certification in Canada in 2021 and gold status in the United States in 2019.
Released in 2013, “Nobody Has to Know” became the defining record of Kranium’s career, helping to introduce his smooth blend of dancehall and R&B to a global audience. The song later gained mainstream traction in the U.S., charting on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2015, where it peaked at No. 44. A remix featuring American singer Ty Dolla $ign further expanded its reach.
The track was produced by Havendale-raised Lamar “Lala” Reynolds, a former Jamaica College student, and its longevity has been reflected across platforms. The song’s official music video has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, underscoring its lasting appeal.
Born Kemar Donaldson in Montego Bay, Kranium migrated to the United States as a teenager, first settling in Miami before moving to New York, where he honed his craft and built a following. Early in his career, he performed alongside established reggae and dancehall acts including Gyptian, I-Octane and Tarrus Riley.
The success of “Nobody Has to Know” helped Kranium secure a recording deal with Atlantic Records, under which he released projects including his debut album Rumors in 2015 and Midnight Sparks in 2019. He and the label parted ways in 2023 after an eight-year partnership.
The UK gold certification further cements “Nobody Has to Know” as one of the most successful Caribbean crossover records of its era, continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide years after its release.
