Who has the highest first week sales in hip-hop history?

In the world of hip-hop, first-week album sales are a badge of honor. Artists love to boast about their record-breaking numbers, and fans eagerly anticipate the release of new albums. Among the elite, one rapper stands tall when it comes to first-week sales:Eminem.

From Eminem’s record-breaking triumphs to Drake’s chart-topping feats, let’s dive into the albums that shook the industry in their opening weeks.

1. Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)

Released in the year 2000, The Marshall Mathers LP was a groundbreaking album that catapulted Eminem to superstardom. With its raw, introspective lyrics and controversial themes, the album resonated with listeners worldwide.

In its first week, it sold an astounding 1,760,000 copies—a record-breaking achievement that showcased Eminem’s immense popularity and influence. Songs like Stan, The Real Slim Shady, and “The Way I Am” became anthems for a generation, solidifying Eminem’s place in hip-hop history .

2. Eminem - The Eminem Show (2004)

Following the success of The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem continued his streak with The Eminem Show in 2004. The album debuted at number one on the charts and sold 1,322,000 copies in its first week.

Eminem’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth were on full display, as he tackled personal struggles, fame, and societal issues. Hits like “Without Me” and “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” resonated with fans, making this album another milestone in his career .

3. 50 Cent - The Massacre (2005)

In 2005, 50 Cent unleashed The Massacre, an album that dominated the hip-hop scene. With tracks like Candy Shop, Disco Inferno, and Just a Lil Bit, 50 Cent’s sophomore effort sold an impressive 1,140,000 copies during its debut week. The album’s blend of gritty street narratives and catchy hooks resonated with fans, solidifying 50 Cent’s status as a rap heavyweight .

4. Drake - Views (2016)

Drake’s Views, released in 2016, was a game-changer. The Canadian rapper’s fourth studio album featured hits like One Dance, Controlla, and Hotline Bling. In its first week, Views sold 1,075,000 copies, marking the best sales week for any album that year. Drake’s ability to seamlessly blend rap, R&B, and dancehall vibes resonated with a global audience, cementing his position as a chart-topping artist .

5. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III (2008)

Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III arrived in 2008, and it was nothing short of a phenomenon. With tracks like Lollipop, A Milli, and Got Money, the album showcased Wayne’s lyrical dexterity and genre-blurring style. It shattered records by selling 1,006,000 copies in its debut week, becoming the first studio album since 50 Cent’s The Massacre to achieve over a million sales in a single week. Weezy’s monumental success left fans elated and further solidified his legacy in hip-hop history .

These five albums are just the tip of the iceberg. From Eminem to Lil Wayne, hip-hop’s elite have left an indelible mark on first-week sales. So next time you’re vibing to your favorite track, remember the immense impact these artists have had on the game.