Fans are running up the streams for Bobby Shmurda’s music.
Just days after he was released from prison, the “Hot Nigga” emcee’s U.S. on-demand streams have soared more than 600%. According to Billboard, “On Feb. 22, when news of Shmurda’s pending release broke, and Feb. 23, the day it occurred, Shmurda’s music as a lead artist totaled 3.7 million U.S. on-demand streams, up 624% from the previous two-day period, Feb. 20-21, when his streams totaled 507,000.”
Bobby’s plays leaped 264% from 288,000 on Feb. 21 to 1.1 million on Feb. 22. On the day of his release, the streams surged by 150% to 2.6 million.
His 2014 single “Hot Nigga” received 2.2 million streams during the two-day tracking period, while “Bobby Bitch” earned 1 million plays.
Not only did his streams increase, but the Brooklyn rapper also earned a few gold and platinum plaques. According to the RIAA, “Hot Nigga” was certified 5x platinum. “Bobby Bitch” was also certified platinum, while his 2014 EP Shmurda She Wrote and “Computers” collaboration with Rowdy Rebel were both certified gold.
Earlier this week, Bobby was released from prison after serving more than six years behind bars. Several celebrities, including Chris Brown, YG and Meek Mill celebrated his return. Quavo, his longtime friend and former collaborator, picked him up in a private jet. He immediately FaceTimed his mom and excitedly said, “I’m coming to see you, ma!”
In 2014, Bobby was arrested on gang conspiracy, gun and drug charges. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to 4th-degree conspiracy and 2nd-degree criminal weapons possession and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
His conditional release date was previously moved up to Feb. 23, which was 10 months ahead of the actual end of his sentence. After a judge denied him parole, the Time Allowance Committee reversed the decision and awarded him a conditional release due to his good behavior and program participation while he was incarcerated.