The Crème de la Crème: Top 20 Highest Selling Rappers of All Time
Hello, music enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the realm of hip-hop to celebrate the top 20 highest selling rappers of all time. These artists have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but have also amassed a staggering number of album sales and streams. So, grab your headphones, and let's embark on this rhythmic journey! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and top 20 highest selling rappers of all time.
The Hip-Hop Heavyweights: Top 5
1. Jay-Z
Starting our list strong, Jay-Z tops the charts with over 140 million records sold worldwide. From his debut album 'Reasonable Doubt' in 1996 to his latest '4:44' in 2017, Hova has consistently pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, making him the highest selling rapper of all time.
2. Eminem
Coming in at a close second is Eminem, with over 120 million records sold. The best-selling rapper of the 2000s, Eminem's albums like 'The Marshall Mathers LP' and 'The Eminem Show' have broken records and shattered stereotypes, solidifying his place in hip-hop history.
3. The Notorious B.I.G.
With a staggering 100 million records sold, The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, remains one of the most influential rappers of all time. His iconic albums 'Ready to Die' and 'Life After Death' continue to inspire artists and captivate fans worldwide.
4. OutKast
This dynamic duo, André 3000 and Big Boi, have sold over 25 million records together. OutKast is known for their unique sound and innovative approach to hip-hop, with albums like 'Stankonia' and 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
5. 50 Cent
Rounding out our top 5 is 50 Cent, with over 30 million records sold. His debut album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' and the follow-up 'The Massacre' catapulted him to fame, making him one of the best-selling rappers of the 2000s.
The Rappers' Renaissance: Next 10
6. Kanye West
With over 21 million records sold, Kanye West is not only a top-selling rapper but also a visionary producer and fashion icon. His albums like 'College Dropout', 'Graduation', and 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' have redefined hip-hop and pop music.
7. Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne has sold over 12 million records in the United States alone. His prolific output and distinctive flow have earned him the title of best-selling rapper of the 2010s, with albums like 'The Carter III' and 'Tha Carter V' cementing his legacy.
8. Drake
With over 150 million records sold worldwide, Drake is the best-selling digital singles artist of all time. His blend of rap, R&B, and pop has resulted in chart-topping albums like 'Take Care', 'Views', and 'Scorpion'.
9. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar has sold over 12 million records worldwide. His critically acclaimed albums like 'good kid, m.A.A.d city', 'To Pimp a Butterfly', and 'DAMN.' have pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize.
10. Nicki Minaj
As the best-selling female rapper of all time, Nicki Minaj has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her albums like 'Pink Friday' and 'The Pinkprint' have broken records and solidified her status as a hip-hop icon.
11. Dr. Dre
With over 100 million records sold as a solo artist and producer, Dr. Dre is one of the most successful figures in hip-hop history. His influential albums like 'The Chronic' and '2001' have shaped the sound of West Coast rap, while his production work has launched the careers of artists like Eminem and 50 Cent.
12. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg has sold over 23 million records in the United States alone. His laid-back flow and smooth vocals have made him one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop, with classic albums like 'Doggystyle' and 'The Chronic' solidifying his status as a legend.
13. DMX
DMX sold over 17 million records in the United States alone. His raw, emotional delivery and distinctive bark made him one of the most influential rappers of the 1990s and early 2000s, with albums like 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot' and '...And Then There Was X' leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
14. Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, has sold over 75 million records worldwide. His powerful, socially conscious lyrics and iconic albums like 'Me Against the World' and 'The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory' have made him a cultural icon and one of the best-selling artists of all time.
15. Wu-Tang Clan
This legendary hip-hop collective has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Their influential albums like 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' and 'Wu-Tang Forever' have shaped the sound of East Coast rap and inspired a generation of artists.
The Rest of the Pack: Final 5
16. Ice Cube
Ice Cube has sold over 15 million records as a solo artist and over 20 million with his former group N.W.A. His iconic albums like 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted' and 'The Predator' have made him a hip-hop legend.
17. Pitbull
Pitbull has sold over 80 million records worldwide. His unique blend of rap, pop, and Latin music has resulted in international hits like 'Give Me Everything' and 'Timber', making him one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time.
18. T.I.
T.I. has sold over 10 million records in the United States alone. His distinctive flow and socially conscious lyrics have made him a prominent figure in Southern hip-hop, with albums like 'Trap Muzik' and 'Paper Trail' solidifying his legacy.
19. Macklemore
Macklemore has sold over 7 million records in the United States alone. His unique blend of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music has resulted in chart-topping hits like 'Thrift Shop' and 'Can't Hold Us', making him one of the best-selling independent artists of all time.
20. G-Eazy
G-Eazy has sold over 3 million records in the United States alone. His unique blend of rap, R&B, and pop has resulted in hits like 'Me, Myself & I' and 'No Limit', making him one of the most successful rappers of the 2010s.
Honorable Mentions
While we've covered the top 20 highest selling rappers of all time, there are many other artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. Honorable mentions include:
- Lizzo - With over 10 million records sold in the United States alone, Lizzo's unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop has resulted in hits like 'Truth Hurts' and 'Good as Hell'. - Travis Scott - With over 20 million records sold worldwide, Travis Scott's distinctive sound and innovative production have resulted in hits like 'Sicko Mode' and 'Highest in the Room'. - Lil Uzi Vert - With over 15 million records sold in the United States alone, Lil Uzi Vert's unique blend of rap, rock, and electronic music has resulted in hits like 'XO TOUR Llif3' and 'Futsal Shuffle 2020'. - J. Cole - With over 36 million records sold worldwide, J. Cole's thoughtful lyrics and innovative production have resulted in critically acclaimed albums like '4 Your Eyez Only' and 'KOD'. - Future - With over 20 million records sold in the United States alone, Future's distinctive flow and influential production have resulted in hits like 'Mask Off' and 'Life Is Good'.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Our journey through the world of hip-hop, celebrating the top 20 highest selling rappers of all time. From Jay-Z to Future, these artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry, breaking records and pushing the boundaries of the genre. So, crank up the volume, and let the beats guide you through this incredible list of hip-hop heavyweights!
Stay tuned for more music-related content, and until next time, keep it real and keep it loud!