But how well do you really know rap music? Do you know who has the most platinum songs, the most charting songs, or the most streams? Do you know which rap albums are critically acclaimed or panned? Do you know which rap artists have the most beef, collaborations, or influences? If you think you do, you might be surprised by these six rap facts that will blow your mind.
Fact #1: Future has more platinum songs than Beyonce, Rihanna & The Weeknd
Future is one of the most prolific and successful rap artists of the 2010s and 2020s. He has released over 20 mixtapes, seven studio albums, and countless singles and features. He has also achieved a remarkable feat: he has more platinum songs than some of the biggest pop stars in the world.
According to the RIAA, Future has 42 platinum songs, while Beyonce has 40, Rihanna has 33, and The Weeknd has 32. Future's platinum songs include hits like "Mask Off", "Low Life", "Life Is Good", and "Jumpman".
Fact #2: Drake's "For All The Dogs" already has more streams than every Pusha T album combined
Drake and Pusha T have been engaged in one of the most notorious rap beefs of the 2010s. The feud started in 2011, when Pusha T dissed Drake on his song "Don't Fuck With Me". The two exchanged several shots over the years, culminating in Pusha T's "The Story of Adidon", which exposed Drake's secret son and accused him of being a deadbeat dad.
Drake responded with "Duppy Freestyle" and "I'm Upset", but many fans felt that he lost the battle. However, Drake might have the last laugh, as his latest album "For All The Dogs" has already surpassed every Pusha T album in terms of streams. According to Spotify, "For All The Dogs" has over 2 billion streams, while Pusha T's four albums have a combined total of 1.2 billion streams. Drake's album features hits like "Laugh Now, Cry Later", "What's Next", and "Lemon Pepper Freestyle".
Fact #3: Nicki Minaj has more charting songs than the next 4 highest female rappers do combined
Nicki Minaj is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential female rappers of all time. She has dominated the rap scene for over a decade, releasing four studio albums, three mixtapes, and numerous singles and features. She has also broken several records, including the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by a female artist, with 118.
Nicki Minaj has more charting songs than the next four highest female rappers combined. According to Billboard, Cardi B has 31, Megan Thee Stallion has 25, Doja Cat has 18, and Saweetie has 9. Nicki Minaj's charting songs include hits like "Super Bass", "Anaconda", "Starships", and "Trollz".
Fact #4: Travis Scott's "ASTROWORLD" has more streams than every Playboi Carti song combined
Travis Scott and Playboi Carti are two of the most popular and influential rap artists of the 2010s and 2020s. They have both created their own unique styles and sounds, blending rap, trap, and psychedelic elements. They have also collaborated on several songs, such as "Green & Purple", "Houdini", and "Love Hurts".
However, Travis Scott has a clear edge over Playboi Carti in terms of streams. According to Spotify, Travis Scott's third studio album "ASTROWORLD" has over 5.6 billion streams, while Playboi Carti's entire discography has a combined total of 4.8 billion streams. Travis Scott's album features hits like "SICKO MODE", "STARGAZING", and "YOSEMITE".
Fact #5: Lil Baby's "My Turn" has sold more than every Young Thug project has combined
Lil Baby and Young Thug are two of the most successful and influential rap artists from Atlanta. They have both risen to fame in the rap scene, releasing multiple projects and collaborating with other rap stars. They have also mentored and inspired each other, as Young Thug helped Lil Baby start his rap career and Lil Baby learned from Young Thug's style and work ethic.
However, Lil Baby has surpassed Young Thug in terms of sales. According to the RIAA, Lil Baby's second studio album "My Turn" has sold over 3 million units, while Young Thug's entire discography has a combined total of 2.9 million units. Lil Baby's album features hits like "Woah", "Sum 2 Prove", and "We Paid".
Fact #6: 2014 Forest Hills Drive is J. Cole's worst album according to critics
J. Cole is one of the most respected and acclaimed rap artists of the 2010s and 2020s. He has released six studio albums, three mixtapes, and numerous singles and features. He has also achieved several feats, such as having three albums go platinum with no features, winning a Grammy for Best Rap Song, and being the first artist to debut three songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously.
However, not all of his albums are equally praised by critics. According to Metacritic, J. Cole's third studio album "2014 Forest Hills Drive," is his worst album, with a score of 67 out of 100. J. Cole's album features hits like "No Role Modelz", "Wet Dreamz", and "Apparently".
These are some of the surprising rap facts that will blow your mind. Do you agree or disagree with them? Do you have any other rap facts that you want to share?