Criteria for ranking

Determining the best-selling rap albums of all time is no easy feat, as there are various factors to consider. To create an accurate list, data on worldwide album sales, as reported by industry sources, are compiled and analyzed. Other factors such as streaming, digital sales, and physical sales are also taken into account.

However, the availability of data is limited, and some albums may have sold more than what is reported. Additionally, the criteria used for ranking may vary between sources, leading to discrepancies in the data. Therefore, it is important to take the rankings with a grain of salt and acknowledge the limitations of the data. Illegal downloads through torrent sites or other platforms are not calculated in this list too.

Another challenge in ranking the best-selling rap albums of all time is accounting for changes in the music industry. With the rise of streaming services and the decline of physical album sales, the way we consume music has evolved significantly over the years. As a result, comparing album sales from different time periods may not be entirely fair or accurate.
Despite these limitations, ranking the best-selling rap albums of all time is still a valuable exercise, of course. It provides a glimpse into the evolution of the genre and the artists who have had the greatest impact on the industry.

The top 10 best-selling rap albums of all time

Without further ado, here is the list you have been eagerly waiting for: The top 10 best-selling rap albums of all time!


1. “The Eminem Show” by Eminem – 32 million copies sold worldwide Released in 2002, “The Eminem Show” cemented Eminem’s place as one of the most successful rappers of all time. Notable tracks include “Without Me,” “Cleaning Out My Closet,” and “Sing for the Moment.”


2. “All Eyez on Me” by Tupac Shakur – 20 million copies sold worldwide Released in 1996, “All Eyez on Me” is considered one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The double album features iconic tracks like “California Love,” “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” and “How Do U Want It.”


3. “The Marshall Mathers LP” by Eminem – 21 million copies sold worldwide Released in 2000, “The Marshall Mathers LP” is Eminem’s third studio album and features some of his most controversial and provocative lyrics. Notable tracks include “The Real Slim Shady,” “The Way I Am,” and “Stan.”


4. “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” by OutKast – 15 million copies sold worldwide Released in 2003, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” is a double album featuring one solo album by each member of OutKast. The album features hits like “Hey Ya!,” “The Way You Move,” and “Roses.”


5. “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre – 6 million copies sold worldwide Released in 1992, “The Chronic” is widely regarded as one of the most influential rap albums of all time. The album features the classic tracks “Nuthin’ But a G Thang,” “Let Me Ride,” and “Dre Day.”


6. “Doggystyle” by Snoop Dogg – 11 million copies sold worldwide Released in 1993, “Doggystyle” was Snoop Dogg’s debut album and helped to popularize the West Coast gangsta rap sound. Notable tracks include “Gin and Juice,” “What’s My Name?,” and “Doggy Dogg World.”


7. “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” by 50 Cent – 15 million copies sold worldwide Released in 2003, “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” is 50 Cent’s debut album and features hits like “In da Club,” “21 Questions,” and “P.I.M.P.”


8. “Life After Death” by The Notorious B.I.G. – 10 million copies sold worldwide Released in 1997, “Life After Death” was The Notorious B.I.G.’s second and final studio album before his death. The album features hits like “Hypnotize,” “Mo Money Mo Problems,” and “Sky’s the Limit.”


9. “The Slim Shady LP” by Eminem – 18 million copies sold worldwide Released in 1999, “The Slim Shady LP” is Eminem’s debut album and features his signature dark humor and controversial lyrics. Notable tracks include “My Name Is,” “Guilty Conscience,” and “Role Model.”


10. “Recovery” by Eminem – 15 million copies sold worldwide Released in 2010, “Recovery” marked a return to form for Eminem after a period of personal struggles. The album features hits like “Not Afraid,” “Love the Way You Lie,” and “No Love.”


These top-selling albums have not only sold millions of copies but have also left a lasting impact on the rap genre and popular culture as a whole. From controversial lyrics to innovative production, these albums have paved the way for future generations of rappers and have solidified their place in music history.

It’s important to note that while these numbers reflect the estimated worldwide sales of each album, there may be discrepancies or limitations in the data as we said before. Additionally, sales figures may not account for illegal downloads or bootleg copies of the album. Regardless of any discrepancies, however, these top 10 best-selling rap albums have undoubtedly made a significant impact on the music industry and will continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike for years to come.

Analysis of the list

Looking at the list of top-selling rap albums, it’s clear that there are some trends and patterns that emerge. Firstly, it’s interesting to note that the majority of these albums were released in the 1990s and early 2000s, indicating that this was a particularly popular and influential time for the genre. Many of these albums also come from the United States, with a few exceptions such as MC Hammer’s “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em” and Eminem’s “The Eminem Show”.

Another trend that emerges is the dominance of certain subgenres within rap. For example, many of the top-selling albums on this list come from the gangsta rap subgenre, which is known for its gritty, violent lyrics and depictions of inner-city life. This suggests that this particular subgenre resonated strongly with audiences and was commercially successful.

In terms of the impact that these top-selling albums have had on the rap industry and popular culture as a whole, it’s difficult to overstate their significance. Many of these albums have become cultural touchstones and have influenced subsequent generations of rap artists. For example, N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton” is widely regarded as a seminal album in the gangsta rap subgenre and has been cited as an inspiration by countless rappers. Similarly, Eminem’s “The Slim Shady LP” is often credited with popularizing the subgenre of horrorcore rap.

These albums have also had a major impact on the broader music industry, with many of them breaking records for album sales and chart positions. The success of albums like “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “All Eyez on Me” helped to cement rap’s place as a mainstream genre and proved that it could be just as commercially successful as other genres like pop and rock.

Honorable mentions

While the top 10 best-selling rap albums of all time are undoubtedly significant works, there are a few notable albums that didn’t quite make the list but are still worth mentioning.

One such album is “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre, which has sold an estimated 5.7 million copies in the United States alone. Released in 1992, this album is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rap albums of all time. It helped to establish the West Coast gangsta rap subgenre and featured collaborations with notable artists like Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg.

Another album worth mentioning is “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” by 50 Cent, which has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. Released in 2003, this album helped to launch 50 Cent’s career and became a commercial and critical success. It features hit singles like “In da Club” and “21 Questions” and is widely regarded as one of the best rap albums of the 2000s.

Finally, “The College Dropout” by Kanye West is another notable album that didn’t make the top 10 but is still worth mentioning. Released in 2004, this album helped to establish Kanye West as a major force in the rap industry and features hit singles like “Through the Wire” and “Jesus Walks”. It has sold over 4 million copies worldwide and is widely regarded as a classic in the genre.
While these albums didn’t quite make the cut for the top 10 best-selling rap albums of all time, they are still significant works that have had a lasting impact on the genre and on popular culture as a whole on a global scale.

The Future of Rap Music Sales after the 2020s Pandemic

As with many industries, the music industry has been significantly impacted by the rise of digital technology and streaming services. While physical album sales have declined in recent years, the popularity of rap music has remained strong. So, what does the future hold for rap music sales in the long run?

One trend that is likely to continue is the growth of streaming services. According to a 2023 report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), streaming now accounts for 84% of the US music market. This shift towards streaming has allowed for greater access to music, as well as more opportunities for artists to be discovered and promoted.

Another trend that is likely to continue is the rise of independent artists. With the ability to distribute music through platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, independent artists are able to reach audiences around the world without the support of a major label. This has led to a more diverse and vibrant rap scene, with artists from all over the world making an impact on the industry.

However, there are also some concerns about the future of rap music sales. One major issue is the potential for decreased revenue for artists. While streaming services have made music more accessible, they have also resulted in lower royalties for artists. This has led to some artists advocating for changes to the streaming model, including increased royalties or a shift towards a more artist-friendly payment system.

Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic of the 2020s on the music industry has been significant, with live shows and tours being canceled or postponed. While streaming had helped to fill the gap, the loss of revenue from live shows has had a significant impact on artists and their ability to make a living from their music. Since late 2022 however, things have become relatively normal, and live shows & gatherings are becoming the norm, slowly. 

Overall, the future of rap music sales is likely to be shaped by the ongoing shift toward digital technology and streaming, as well as the continued growth of independent artists. While there are certainly challenges ahead, the popularity and influence of rap music suggest that it will continue to be a major force in the music industry for years to come.

Final Words

So, finally, when all the above facts are taken into consideration, it’s safe to say that the top 10 best-selling rap albums of all time are a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of the genre for sure. From classic releases like Tupac’s “All Eyez on Me” to modern hits like Eminem’s “The Marshall Mathers LP”, these albums have shaped the sound of rap music and influenced generations of artists.
Looking to the future, the rap industry is likely to continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry too.

While the rise of streaming has created new opportunities for artists, it has also raised questions about the sustainability of the current model. As the industry continues to grapple with these challenges, it will be important to support artists and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.

Overall, the future of rap music is bright. With new artists emerging and established artists continuing to push the boundaries of the genre, there is no doubt that rap will continue to be a major force in the music industry. Whether through album sales or streaming, the power and influence of rap music are undeniable, and its impact will continue to be felt for years to come.