10 Highest Selling Hip-Hop Music Artists Of All Time

Hip-hop, originating in the Bronx borough of New York City, has evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending boundaries of race, nationality, and personal beliefs. This musical genre has become a pivotal element of pop culture, reaching diverse audiences worldwide. In this article, we delve into the top 10 highest-selling hip-hop artists of all time, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the genre.

Table of Contents

10. Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur, despite his untimely demise, remains an iconic figure in hip-hop, having sold over 75 million albums. His posthumous records continue to resonate with audiences globally. The albums certified by the RIAA include:

Greatest Hits (1998) – 10x Platinum
All Eyez On Me (1996) – 10x Platinum
The Don Killuminati (1996) – 4x Platinum
Until The End Of Time (2001) – 4x Platinum
R U Still Down? (Remember Me) (1997) – 4x Platinum
Me Against The World (1995) – 2x Platinum
Better Dayz (2002) – 3x Platinum
Still I Rise (1999) – 1x Platinum
Tupac: Resurrection (2003) – 1x Platinum
Loyal To The Game (2004) – 1x Platinum
Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. (1993) – 1x Platinum
2Pacalypse Now (1991) – 1x Gold

Despite his brief career, Tupac’s impact on the genre is immeasurable, leaving us to ponder the heights he could have reached with more time.

9. The Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas, a dance-club alternative hip-hop sensation in the 2000s, have sold over 80 million albums. Comprising will.i.am, Taboo, apl.de.ap, and formerly Fergie, their breakthrough album Elephunk (2003) topped charts in 13 countries. RIAA-certified albums include:

Monkey Business (2005) – 3x Platinum
Elephunk (2003) – 2x Platinum
The E.N.D. (2009) – 2x Platinum
The Beginning (2010) – 748,000 Soundscan

While their early success was remarkable, the absence of Fergie has impacted their recent endeavors.

8. Flo Rida

A pioneer in hip-house, Flo Rida achieved back-to-back hits in the 2000s, selling over 80 million copies globally. Notable singles, including “Low,” broke sales records. Although his albums lack RIAA certification, his singles have attained gold, platinum, and silver status in various countries.

7. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj, mentored by Lil Wayne, rose to rap stardom with her “Pink” trilogy, selling over 100 million RIAA-certified units. Albums include:

Pink Friday (2010) – 3x Platinum
Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012) – 2x Platinum
The Pinkprint (2014) – 2x Platinum
Queen (2018) – 1x Platinum

As the seventh highest-selling rapper, Minaj continues to make significant contributions to hip-hop.

6. Jay-Z

Jay-Z, an entrepreneur and rapper, boasts over 140 million album sales. Roc Nation, his label, has nurtured talents like Rihanna and Kanye West. RIAA-certified albums include:

Vol. 2 Hardknock Life (1998) – 6x Platinum
Watch The Throne (2011) – 5x Platinum
The Black Album (2003) – 3x Platinum
The Blueprint (2001) – 3x Platinum
Magna Carta…Holy Grail (2013) – 3x Platinum
Collision Course (2004) – 2x Platinum
Vol. 3… Life And Times Of S. Carter (1999) – 3x Platinum
The Blueprint 3 (2009) – 1x Platinum
Kingdom Come (2006) – 2x Platinum
The Blueprint 2: The Gift And The Curse (2002) – 3x Platinum
4:44 (2017) – 2x Platinum
The Dynasty: Roc-La-Familia (2009) – 2x Platinum
American Gangster (2007) – 1x Platinum
The Best Of Both Worlds (2002) – 1x Platinum
In My Lifetime, Volume I (1997) – 1x Platinum
Reasonable Doubt (1996) – 1x Platinum
Unfinished Business (2004) – 1x Platinum
MTV Unplugged (2001) – 1x Gold

Despite retiring from rapping, Jay-Z’s net worth stands at an astounding $2.5 billion.

5. Kanye West

Kanye West, initially underestimated, has influenced contemporary music, selling over 160 million units. RIAA-certified albums include:

Late Registration (2005) – 5x Platinum
Graduation (2007) – 5x Platinum
Watch The Throne (2011) – 5x Platinum
The College Dropout (2004) – 4x Platinum
The Life Of Pablo (2016) – 3x Platinum
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) – 3x Platinum
808s & Heartbreak (2008) – 3x Platinum
Yeezus (2013) – 2x Platinum
Donda (2021) – 1x Platinum
Ye (2018) – 1x Platinum
Jesus Is King (2019) – 1x Gold

Amid speculation about a new album in 2024, Kanye West’s influence in hip-hop remains undeniable.

4. Drake

Drake, mentored by Lil Wayne, transitioned from a Canadian actor to a hip-hop star, selling over 170 million units. RIAA-certified albums include:

Views (2016) – 6x Platinum
Take Care (2011) – 6x Platinum
Scorpion (2018) – 5x Platinum
Nothing Was The Same (2013) – 4x Platinum
More Life (2017) – 3x Platinum
If You’re Reading This Too Late (2015) – 3x Platinum
Thank Me Later (2010) – 3x Platinum
Certified Lover Boy (2021) – 1,970,000 Soundscan sales
What A Time To Be Alive (2015) – 2x Platinum
So Far Gone (2009) – 1x Gold

With anticipation for a new album in 2023, Drake’s influence remains prevalent in the hip-hop landscape.

3. Chris Brown

Chris Brown, blending R&B with hip-hop, has sold over 217 million copies since his debut in 2005. RIAA-certified albums include:

Exclusive (2007) – 4x Platinum
F.A.M.E. (2011) – 3x Platinum
Chris Brown (2005) – 3x Platinum
Heartbreak On A Full Moon (2017) – 2x Platinum
X (2014) – 2x Platinum
Indigo (2019) – 1x Platinum
Fortune (2012) – 1x Platinum
Royalty (2015) – 1x Platinum
Fan Of A Fan The Album (2015) – 1x Gold
Graffiti (2009) – 1x Gold

As of August 2023, Brown has teased a new album titled 11:11, generating curiosity about its potential impact on his sales.

2. Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne’s creative prowess, evident in his mixtapes and “Tha Carter” series, solidifies him as one of the greatest artists. Selling over 200 million albums, Lil Wayne’s influence extends beyond his solo career to nurturing talents like Drake and Nicki Minaj. RIAA-certified albums include:

Tha Carter III (2008) – 1x Gold
Tha Carter IV (2011) – 1x Gold
I Am Not A Human Being II (2013) – 2x Platinum
Tha Carter V (2018) – 2x Platinum
I Am Not A Human Being (2010) – 2x Platinum
Tha Carter II (2005) – 2x Platinum
Tha Carter (2004) – 1x Platinum
Rebirth (2010) – 1x Platinum
Tha Block Is Hot (1999) – 1x Platinum
Like Father Like Son (2006) – 1x Gold
Lights Out (2000) – 1x Gold
500 Degreez (2002) – 1x Gold

Anticipation for Tha Carter VI continues, with fans eagerly awaiting Lil Wayne’s next move.

1. Eminem

Eminem, propelled by his unique style and carefree attitude, leads the pack with 227.5 million album sales. His iconic albums include:

The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) – 11x Platinum
The Eminem Show (2002) – 10x Platinum
Curtain Call: The Hits (2005) – 10x Platinum
Recovery (2010) – 8x Platinum
Encore (2004) – 4 x Platinum
The Slim Shady LP (1999) – 4x Platinum
The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013) – 4x Platinum
Relapse (2009) – 3x Platinum
Kamikaze (2018) – 1x Platinum
Revival (2017) – 1x Platinum
Music To Be Murdered By (2020) – 1x Platinum
Eminem Presents The Re-Up (2006) – 1x Platinum
ShadyXV (2014) – 1x Gold

While Eminem’s last album was in 2020, fans eagerly await any news of his next musical endeavor.

Conclusion

Hip-hop’s evolution has brought forth a diverse array of artists, each contributing to the genre’s global impact. From Tupac Shakur to Eminem, these top 10 highest-selling hip-hop artists have left an indelible mark on the industry, showcasing the genre’s resilience and ability to connect with audiences worldwide. As the landscape continues to evolve, these artists’ legacies endure, influencing the next generation of hip-hop enthusiasts.

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