I gotta say, as a huge fan of hip-hop, there have been quite a few rappers who have achieved the incredible feat of selling a million copies in just one week. It’s truly a testament to their talent and the impact they have had on the genre. Let me take you through some of these monumental moments in hip-hop history.
1. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP: As I mentioned earlier, Eminem is the undisputed king of opening week sales. When he dropped his second studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP, back in 2000, it was an absolute game-changer. Not only did it receive critical acclaim, but it also shattered records by selling a mind-boggling 1.7 million copies in just seven days. This was a groundbreaking achievement, solidifying Eminem’s status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
2. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III: Another rapper who made waves with his opening week sales is Lil Wayne. In 2008, he released his sixth studio album, Tha Carter III, and it took the world by storm. With hit singles like “Lollipop” and “A Milli,” Wayne’s album sold an impressive 1.01 million copies in its first week. This marked a milestone in Wayne’s career and cemented his status as one of the top-selling artists in hip-hop.
3. Drake – Views: We can’t talk about million-selling albums without mentioning Drake. Known for his catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, Drake has consistently dominated the charts. In 2016, his fourth studio album, Views, was released to massive anticipation. It didn’t disappoint, as it sold 1.04 million copies in its first week. This accomplishment further solidified Drake’s position as one of the biggest names in the industry.
4. 50 Cent – The Massacre: Back in 2005, 50 Cent dropped his highly anticipated second studio album, The Massacre. Fueled by hit singles like “Candy Shop” and “Just a Lil Bit,” the album quickly became a commercial success. In its first week, it sold a staggering 1.14 million copies, making 50 Cent one of the few artists at the time to achieve such a feat. The Massacre solidified 50 Cent’s status as a rap heavyweight and propelled him to superstardom.
5. Kanye West – Graduation: Kanye West is a visionary artist known for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. In 2007, he released his third studio album, Graduation, and it was an instant hit. With anthems like “Stronger” and “Good Life,” the album resonated with fans and critics alike. It sold a remarkable 957,000 copies in its first week, falling just shy of the million mark. Nonetheless, it remains one of the highest-selling debut weeks for a hip-hop album.
6. Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3: Jay-Z, the iconic rapper and entrepreneur, is no stranger to success. In 2009, he dropped his eleventh studio album, The Blueprint 3, which featured hit singles like “Empire State of Mind” and “Run This Town.” The album sold an impressive 476,000 copies in its first week, falling just short of the million mark. While it didn’t reach the same sales heights as some of the other albums mentioned, it’s worth noting Jay-Z’s consistent ability to deliver chart-topping hits.
These are just a few examples of rappers who have achieved the remarkable feat of selling a million copies in a single week. The impact and cultural significance of these albums cannot be understated, as they continue to shape and define the genre of hip-hop. Each artist brings their unique style and storytelling ability, solidifying their place in the rap pantheon.