Top 10 Selling Rap Albums of All Time
Hey there, it’s Emily Johnson and in this article, we’ll be exploring the top 10 selling rap albums of all time. As a big fan of hip-hop, I’m excited to share with you some interesting facts and personal opinions about these iconic albums. So, let’s dive in!
Curiosities and Interesting Facts
- The top 10 selling rap albums have all sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
- Eminem is the only artist to have two albums on this list.
- Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg are the only artists to have collaborated on two albums on this list.
- The oldest album on this list was released in 1992, while the newest was released in 2010.
1. MC Hammer – Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em (1990)
MC Hammer’s third album, Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em, was released in 1990 and became the first rap album to reach diamond status by selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The album features the hit singles U Can’t Touch This and Pray. I remember dancing to U Can’t Touch This at school dances and it was a huge hit back then.
2. Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death (1997)
Notorious B.I.G.’s second and final album, Life After Death, was released just weeks after his untimely death in 1997. The album features collaborations with Jay-Z, R. Kelly, and Puff Daddy, among others. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
3. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
Eminem’s third album, The Marshall Mathers LP, was released in 2000 and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The album features the hit singles The Real Slim Shady and Stan. The album also sparked controversy due to its violent and explicit lyrics, but it was praised for its raw and honest portrayal of Eminem’s struggles.
4. Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
Outkast’s fifth album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, was released in 2003 and features a unique concept where each member of the duo created their own solo album on one double album. The album features the hit singles Hey Ya! and Roses. It has sold over 11 million copies worldwide and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2004.
5. Eminem – The Eminem Show (2002)
Eminem’s fourth studio album, The Eminem Show, was released in 2002 and sold over 11 million copies worldwide. The album features the hit singles Without Me and Sing for the Moment. The album explores themes of fame, family, and politics and is considered one of Eminem’s greatest works.
6. Tupac – All Eyez on Me (1996)
Tupac’s fourth studio album, All Eyez on Me, was released in 1996 and sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The album features collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Outlawz, among others. The album is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and explores themes of love, violence, and social injustice.
7. Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill (1986)
Beastie Boys’ debut album, Licensed to Ill, was released in 1986 and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The album features the hit singles Fight for Your Right and No Sleep till Brooklyn. The album was praised for its innovative use of rock and hip-hop elements and is considered one of the greatest debut albums of all time.
8. Eminem – Encore (2004)
Eminem’s fifth studio album, Encore, was released in 2004 and sold over 11 million copies worldwide. The album features the hit singles Just Lose It and Like Toy Soldiers. The album explores themes of celebrity culture and addiction and received mixed reviews from critics.
9. Dr. Dre – The Chronic (1992)
Dr. Dre’s debut solo album, The Chronic, was released in 1992 and sold over 5 million copies in the US alone. The album features collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Daz Dillinger, among others. The album is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and is credited with popularizing the G-funk sound.
10. Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle (1993)
Snoop Dogg’s debut album, Doggystyle, was released in 1993 and sold over 11 million copies worldwide. The album features collaborations with Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, and Warren G, among others. The album is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and explores themes of gang violence and street life.
FAQs
1. What is the best-selling rap album of all time?
The best-selling rap album of all time is MC Hammer’s Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
2. Who is the only artist to have two albums on this list?
Eminem is the only artist to have two albums on this list, with The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show.
3. What is the oldest album on this list?
The oldest album on this list is Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill, which was released in 1986.
4. What is the newest album on this list?
The newest album on this list is Eminem’s Recovery, which was released in 2010 but did not sell enough copies to make it into the top 10.
5. What is G-funk?
G-funk is a sub-genre of hip-hop music that originated in California in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers, slow and melodic basslines, and funk samples.
Thanks for reading this article on the top 10 selling rap albums of all time. What’s your favorite album on this list? Let me know in the comments below!