Rapper Rick Ross received a gold plaque for record sales? no!..but for 500,000 sales of ring tones. Just like vinyl, tapes and CDs, the sounds of ringing mobile phones will now translate into awards for sales of 500,000, one million and beyond.

“Just a few short years ago, it was unthinkable for sales on ring tones to go platinum,” said RIAA Chairman Mitch Bainwol.  “But here we are. We’re transforming the way we hear our music.” According to industry experts, about 10 percent of music industry revenues worldwide now come from ring tones.

Other artists that will receive gold and platinum ring tone records include Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, 50 Cent, Kanye West and others.