'The Peoples Champ' Gets a Platinum Grill; No 1-Charting Paul Wall Album Earns First RIAA Certification

NEW YORK, NY (Atlantic Records) - "THE PEOPLES CHAMP," the acclaimed new album from SwishaHouse/Asylum recording artist Paul Wall, has been certified platinum by the RIAA. The announcement comes just five weeks after the album made a triumphant debut in the No 1 spot on the Billboard 200. This marks the Houston-based rapper's first-ever platinum award.

"THE PEOPLES CHAMP" was initially released in a limited edition two-CD set which includes a bonus "Chopped & Screwed" CD. "Chopped & Screwed" is the innovative approach that includes bringing a hip-hop groove to a slower pace by pitching down a song, and then remixing and using various DJ techniques to chop up the track. The result is a unique, entirely distinct version of the original recording. Wall, a pioneer and master of the technique, has Chopped & Screwed such albums as T.I.'s "URBAN LEGEND" and the Transplants' "HAUNTED CITIES." "THE PEOPLES CHAMP" is also available in single-disc Explicit and Amended versions.

A star-studded group of Wall's colleagues make special guest appearances on "THE PEOPLES CHAMP," including Kanye West, T.I., Lil' Wayne, Mike Jones, Trey Songz, BG, and others. The album's first single, "Sittin' Sidewayz," features original Screwed Up Clique member Big Pokey and pays homage to both the Screw legacy as well as Wall's hometown, Houston.

"Sittin' Sidewayz" is a major video channel hit - hitting the top ten on MTV, earning Elite 8 status on MTV2 - where it was the No 1 most-played video for three weeks in a row, being named "Oven Fresh" on Fuse, and becoming a staple on BET's "106 & Park." "THE PEOPLES CHAMP" was premiered on "The Leak" on MTV2, MTV Jams, and mtv.com, and via a BET "Listening Party."

The album's new single/video, "They Don't Know" featuring Mike Jones & Bun B, was "Unleashed" on MTV2, "Jam of the Week" on MTV Jams, and a "New Joint" on BET - where it was also on "Access Granted." In addition, Wall was featured on the "Mix Show Power Summit" airing last week on MTV2.