Adema “Self Titled” Gold Record Award
Another incredible piece just landed here in Switzerland, Adema’s “Self-Titled” Gold record award for their debut album! Released in the heydays during the peak of the Nu-Metal era on August 21, 2001, through Arista Records, the album earned its RIAA Gold certification just six months later, on March 6, 2002, a true reflection of the band’s explosive entrance onto the scene.
The album debuted at #27 on the Billboard Top 200 and featured three successful singles: “Giving In” reached #14 on the U.S. Hot Modern Rock Tracks, “The Way You Like It” hit #15, and “Freaking Out” climbed to #36. With high-energy production and a raw, emotional edge, the album quickly became a fan favorite within the genre.
Unfortunately, Adema's momentum was affected by frequent lineup changes, particularly with lead vocalist Mark Chavez coming and going. The band’s second album “Unstable” seemed to foreshadow their internal struggles. Later, with Bobby Reeves at the helm, they released an amazing record I think, but parted ways with him after just one album. A band with huge potential, held back by instability, but still a key name in early 2000s Nu-Metal history.
Adema “Self Titled” Gold Record Award
Let’s dive into this incredible award. It features a brownish background color, framed in black, making it one of the standout pieces in my collection. The centerpiece is a group photo of Adema, printed on sturdy cardstock, with the CD prominently placed on top. What makes this unique is the RIAA bar hologram, which is laid directly over the CD. a rare and cool detail. To the left, you’ll find the album artwork, while the booklet image graces the right side. The dedication plate in the center honors Jerry Blair.
Jerry Blair has left his position as Executive VP at Arista Records after just over a year, with the departure described as amicable. Brought in by L.A. Reid in 2000 to boost non-urban success, Blair oversaw a notable win with alt-metal band Adema but struggled to secure consistent rock hits. He may remain within BMG to launch a Latin imprint, building on past successes with Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony. His exit comes amid major restructuring at BMG, which is planning layoffs and cost cuts following a reported $150 million loss in 2001. Arista’s Black Music division may also be folded into the main label.
Jerry unfortunantely died back in September 2021 at the age of 60 because of covid-19 complications. Rapper and musician Wyclef Jean of the Fugees remembered Blair as someone who "embraced" all of his artists, despite the color of their skin. Jerry Blair was one person who I can say really cared about artists not being put in a box because of the color of their skin or country they came from. He embraced us all.
