Hip hop is one of the most influential and popular music genres in the world today. Over the years, a lot of talented musicians have emerged, with many making a name for themselves through their unique styles and hit songs.
This has resulted in the release of some incredible albums that have gained immense popularity and sold millions of copies worldwide. In this article, we will be discussing the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
We have divided the list into two subtopics, with each subtopic containing 10 albums. So grab a seat and get ready to learn about some of the most iconic albums in the history of hip hop.
The Eminem Show
The Eminem Show, released in 2002, is the fourth studio album by American rapper Eminem. It was the rapper’s third consecutive album to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 charts, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
The album features hits such as “Without Me” and “Sing for the Moment.” Eminem’s raw, unapologetic style made this album a favorite among his fans.
The Marshall Mathers LP
The Marshall Mathers LP was released in 2000 and is Eminem’s third studio album. It is a controversial album that has sparked a lot of debates due to its graphic language and themes.
The album features hits such as “The Real Slim Shady” and “Stan.”
The Marshall Mathers LP has sold over 35 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The Score
The Score is the second and final studio album by American hip hop group, the Fugees. Released in 1996, the album features hits such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “Fu-Gee-La.”
The Score is an alternative hip hop album that blends elements of reggae, soul, and R&B.
It has sold over 22 million copies worldwide.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is the debut studio album by American singer, songwriter, and rapper Lauryn Hill. Released in 1998, the album is a fusion of hip hop, R&B, and neo-soul.
The album features hits such as “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.”
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill has sold over 19 million copies worldwide and won several Grammy Awards, making Hill the first woman to win five trophies in one night.
Please Hammer Dont Hurt Em
Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em is the third studio album by American rapper MC Hammer. Released in 1990, the album features hits such as “U Can’t Touch This” and “Pray.” The album became the first hip hop album to reach diamond certification, selling over 18 million copies worldwide.
CrazySexyCool
CrazySexyCool is the second studio album by American girl group TLC. Released in 1994, the album features hits such as “Waterfalls” and “Creep.”
CrazySexyCool is an R&B and hip hop album that has sold over 14 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album by a girl group in history.
To the Extreme
To the Extreme is the debut studio album by American rapper Vanilla Ice. Released in 1990, the album features the hit song “Ice Ice Baby.” The album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Curtain Call: The Hits
Curtain Call: The Hits is a greatest hits album by American rapper Eminem. Released in 2005, the album features hits such as “Lose Yourself” and “Mosh.” The album has sold over 7 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Get Rich or Die Tryin
Get Rich or Die Tryin is the debut studio album by American rapper 50 Cent. Released in 2003, the album features hits such as “In da Club” and “21 Questions.” The album has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Big Willie Style
Big Willie Style is the debut studio album by American actor and rapper Will Smith. Released in 1997, the album features hits such as “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” and “Miami.” The album has sold over 9 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is a double album by American hip hop duo Outkast. Released in 2003, the album features hits such as “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move.” It has sold over 11 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Encore
Encore is the fifth studio album by American rapper Eminem. Released in 2004, the album features hits such as “Mockingbird” and “Just Lose It.” The album has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Nellyville
Nellyville is the second studio album by American rapper Nelly. Released in 2002, the album features hits such as “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma.” The album has sold over 6 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Doggystyle
Doggystyle is the debut studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. Released in 1993, the album features hits such as “Gin and Juice” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” The album has sold over 11 million copies worldwide and is considered a classic in West Coast hip hop.
The Massacre
The Massacre is the second studio album by American rapper 50 Cent. Released in 2005, the album features hits such as “Candy Shop” and “Just a Lil Bit.” The album has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
2001
2001 is the second studio album by American rapper Dr. Dre. Released in 1999, the album features hits such as “Still D.R.E” and “The Next Episode.” The album has sold over 7 million copies worldwide and is considered a classic in G-funk hip hop.
Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits is a posthumous greatest hits album by American rapper Tupac Shakur. Released in 1998, the album features hits such as “California Love” and “Changes.” The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and is a highlight reel of Tupac’s best work.
All Eyez On Me
All Eyez On Me is the fourth studio album by American rapper Tupac Shakur. Released in 1996, the album features hits such as “California Love” and “I Ain’t Mad at Cha.” The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and is deeply personal, with Tupac addressing social issues and his own personal experiences.
Licensed to Ill
Licensed to Ill is the debut studio album by American hip hop group the Beastie Boys. Released in 1986, the album features hits such as “Fight For Your Right” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and is the first hip hop album to hit number one on the US Billboard 200 charts.
Life After Death
Life After Death is the second and final studio album by American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Released in 1997, the album features hits such as “Hypnotize” and “Mo Money Mo Problems.” The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and was released just weeks after the rapper’s death. It is considered a classic in the history of hip hop.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have discussed some of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time. These albums have gained immense popularity and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
They continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians. Hip hop has come a long way, and we can only imagine what the future holds for this dynamic and ever-evolving genre.
Hip hop is a genre of music that has grown in popularity over the years, with many talented musicians making their mark on the industry. Throughout the years, many studios have released incredible albums that remain popular and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
In this continuation of our series on the best-selling hip hop albums of all time, we will discuss five additional albums that have stood the test of time. E.
1999 Eternal
E. 1999 Eternal is the second studio album by American hip hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Released in 1995, the album features hits such as “1st of tha Month” and “Tha Crossroads.” E. 1999 Eternal is an album that blends melodic harmonies, fast-paced rapping, and horrorcore themes.
It was a unique approach that set Bone Thugs-N-Harmony apart from other hip hop groups of the time. The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Country Grammar
Country Grammar is the debut studio album by American rapper Nelly. Released in 2000, the album features hits such as “
Country Grammar (Hot Sh*t)” and “Ride wit Me.”
Country Grammar is an album that celebrates Nelly’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, and incorporates the St. Louis sound, which blends hip hop and R&B.
The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling hip hop albums of all time.
Recovery
Recovery is the seventh studio album by American rapper Eminem. Released in 2010, the album features hits such as “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie.”
Recovery is an emotional album that showcases Eminem’s struggles with addiction, relationships, and fame.
It is a raw and honest portrayal of the rapper’s life and has been a critical and commercial success. The album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
No Way Out
No Way Out is the debut studio album by American rapper and producer Puff Daddy. Released in 1997, the album features hits such as “I’ll be Missing You” and “Been Around the World.”
No Way Out is a classic album that represents the mid-1990s sound of East Coast hip hop.
The album is also significant because it was released following the murder of Puff Daddy’s friend and Bad Boy Records artist, The Notorious B.I.G. It is a tribute to the fallen rapper and has been a commercial success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
Monkey Business
Monkey Business is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas. Released in 2005, the album features hits such as “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” and “My Humps.”
Monkey Business is a Grammy-nominated album that features upbeat and positive tracks that celebrate love, life, and happiness.
It also incorporates elements of dance, pop, and R&B. The album has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
In conclusion, hip hop is one of the most diverse and popular music genres in the world. The albums discussed in this continuation of our series demonstrate the vast array of styles and sounds that have come to define hip hop.
From the melodic harmonies of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to the St. Louis sound of Nelly, the emotional depth of Eminem’s
Recovery, the classic East Coast hip hop sound of Puff Daddy’s
No Way Out, and the upbeat and positive vibe of the Black Eyed Peas’
Monkey Business, these albums showcase the diverse range of talent and creativity within the hip hop industry. In conclusion, hip hop is a genre of music that has produced some of the best-selling albums of all time.
From Eminem’s raw and unapologetic style to Nelly’s celebration of St. Louis sound, and from the melodic harmonies of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to the positive and upbeat vibe of the Black Eyed Peas, each album has its unique style and sound. The contribution of hip hop to the music industry is immense, and these albums continue to influence and inspire generations of musicians.
As an audience, we can appreciate the diversity and creativity within the genre by listening to these albums that represent the best of hip hop.