In the evolving landscape of music, particularly hip-hop, accurately measuring success can often be a complex endeavor. While numerous charts and rankings exist, few provide the rigorous, data-driven perspective necessary to truly understand the commercial impact of hip-hop artists. Many lists are inconsistent, rely on outdated metrics, or skew towards a specific market, particularly the U.S. However, a recent ranking breaks down the best-selling rappers of all time by using a unified measurement: equivalent album sales (EAS). This approach effectively weighs pure album sales, compilations, digital and physical singles, and audio and video streaming performance to create a comprehensive picture of an artist’s career.
Since the genre’s inception with Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979, rap has evolved into a dominant force in music, transcending borders from New York to Lagos and Seoul to Toronto. Yet, comparing artists across different eras and regions remains challenging. Legacy artists cultivated their careers during the era of CDs and cassette tapes, while today’s stars thrive in a hyper-competitive world dominated by streaming and viral singles.
To maintain the integrity of this ranking, artists whose commercial success is primarily linked to non-rap material, such as Post Malone and The Black Eyed Peas, have been excluded. This list focuses solely on artists whose core output is deeply rooted in hip-hop.
The ranking reveals that Eminem leads with over 224 million EAS, showcasing his monumental influence in the genre. Newer artists like Travis Scott and Lil Uzi Vert illustrate how streaming has reshaped the leaderboard, while legendary figures like Jay-Z, 2Pac, and Snoop Dogg continue to hold strong positions thanks to extensive catalogs and robust sales across various formats.
Here are the 34 rappers who have crossed the 30 million EAS threshold, ranked from #35 to #1 based on their total career EAS:
Best-Selling Rappers Ranking
#35 – Flo Rida – 30.0 million EAS
Flo Rida is a quintessential example of a singles-era success story, achieving massive digital single sales, particularly with his hits like “Low” and “Right Round.” However, his album sales are comparatively modest, which is typical for many artists who thrive primarily on radio and streaming.
#34 – Doja Cat – 31.1 million EAS
As a breakout star of the streaming generation, Doja Cat has leveraged viral platforms to achieve rapid commercial success. Her genre-blending style and hits like “Say So” and “Paint the Town Red” have propelled her into the spotlight, making her one of the most streamed female rappers globally.
#33 – DMX – 31.6 million EAS
DMX was a powerhouse in the late ’90s and early 2000s, with five consecutive albums debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200. Despite his immense popularity in the U.S., his global reach was limited, which caps his EAS.
#32 – Nas – 32.8 million EAS
A respected lyricist, Nas has crafted a legacy with albums like Illmatic and It Was Written. His career reflects a focus on artistry over commercial trends, contributing to his sustained success over decades.
#31 – Wiz Khalifa – 33.0 million EAS
Wiz Khalifa rose to fame with tracks like “Black and Yellow” and “See You Again,” becoming a pop culture staple. His strong digital presence has helped maintain his relevance, even though his album sales are modest.
#30 – MC Hammer – 33.5 million EAS
MC Hammer brought hip-hop to mainstream audiences with hits like “U Can’t Touch This.” Despite a rapid decline in popularity, his early work remains culturally significant, sustaining his sales numbers.
#29 – Tyler, the Creator – 33.7 million EAS
Tyler has carved a unique path in modern hip-hop, transitioning from shock-rap to critical acclaim. His innovative sound and strong sales, particularly in vinyl, keep him relevant in the current music landscape.
#28 – Sean Combs – 34.8 million EAS
Known as Puff Daddy and later P. Diddy, Sean Combs achieved massive success with hits like “I’ll Be Missing You” and his debut album No Way Out. His influence extends beyond music into fashion and media.
#27 – Lil Baby – 35.1 million EAS
Lil Baby emerged as a leading figure in the streaming era, with hits like “Drip Too Hard.” His consistency and high streaming numbers have propelled him into the upper echelons of hip-hop.
#26 – Ludacris – 35.7 million EAS
With a successful career spanning two decades, Ludacris is known for his charismatic flow and hit singles. While his solo projects have slowed down, his features remain popular.
#25 – OutKast – 35.7 million EAS
OutKast revolutionized Southern hip-hop with their experimental sound. Their albums, particularly Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, achieved massive commercial success, solidifying their legacy.
#24 – Metro Boomin – 35.8 million EAS
A dominant producer in modern rap, Metro Boomin’s influence extends through collaborations with numerous top artists. His projects showcase his unique sound and a focus on streaming.
#23 – Will Smith – 36.0 million EAS
Before becoming a Hollywood star, Will Smith was a successful rapper. His upbeat style and hit singles, such as “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It,” have kept his sales competitive.
#22 – The Notorious B.I.G. – 36.5 million EAS
B.I.G.’s legacy endures despite his untimely death. His classic albums continue to sell well, solidifying his status as one of hip-hop’s greatest figures.
#21 – Pitbull – 37.0 million EAS
Pitbull transitioned from a regional rapper to a global pop sensation. His catchy club anthems have garnered massive digital sales, although his album performance is modest.
#20 – Lil Uzi Vert – 38.9 million EAS
With a unique blend of emo and trap, Lil Uzi Vert has captured the attention of Gen Z. Their strong streaming numbers reflect their popularity despite lower album sales.
#19 – 21 Savage – 39.2 million EAS
21 Savage’s introspective style sets him apart in the trap scene. His collaborations and digital presence contribute significantly to his growing sales.
#18 – Dr. Dre – 44.2 million EAS
Dr. Dre’s influence as a producer and artist is monumental. His classic albums and collaborations have solidified his status in hip-hop, despite his limited solo output.
#17 – J. Cole – 46.2 million EAS
Cole’s thoughtful lyrics and self-produced albums have made him a key figure in conscious rap. His consistent success and loyal fanbase contribute to his impressive sales.
#16 – Beastie Boys – 46.6 million EAS
The Beastie Boys were pioneers in introducing hip-hop to a broader audience. Their blend of punk and rap has left a lasting impact on the genre, ensuring their continued relevance.
#15 – XXXTentacion – 47.4 million EAS
XXXTentacion’s brief career left a significant mark on hip-hop. His emotionally charged music resonates with fans, contributing to his impressive streaming numbers.
#14 – Juice WRLD – 48.5 million EAS
Juice WRLD’s rise to fame was cut short, but his emotional anthems continue to resonate with audiences. His posthumous releases have kept his music alive and thriving.
#13 – Nelly – 49.1 million EAS
Nelly was a dominant force in the early 2000s, blending hip-hop with pop appeal. His classic hits continue to perform well in streaming, securing his place in the rankings.
#12 – 50 Cent – 55.1 million EAS
50 Cent’s impact on hip-hop began with his legendary debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’. His continued relevance is aided by his successful ventures outside of music.
#11 – Future – 57.0 million EAS
Future’s prolific output and innovative sound have made him a staple in modern hip-hop. His strong digital presence continues to push his sales higher.
#10 – Nicki Minaj – 60.2 million EAS
Nicki Minaj is the highest-selling female rapper of all time, with a diverse catalog that includes numerous chart-topping hits and collaborations.
#9 – Lil Wayne – 64.2 million EAS
Lil Wayne’s influence on the genre is profound, with a long list of successful albums and singles. His upcoming work continues to generate excitement among fans.
#8 – Snoop Dogg – 65.1 million EAS
Snoop Dogg’s versatile career spans decades, making him one of the most recognizable figures in music. His extensive catalog showcases his ability to adapt and thrive.
#7 – Travis Scott – 65.9 million EAS
Travis Scott’s innovative approach to music and marketing has propelled him to the top of the charts. His ability to create cultural moments solidifies his status in hip-hop.
#6 – Kendrick Lamar – 73.9 million EAS
Kendrick Lamar is known for his powerful storytelling and critical acclaim. His albums consistently resonate with audiences, ensuring his longevity in the industry.
#5 – 2Pac – 87.7 million EAS
2Pac’s legacy as a poet and activist continues to inspire generations. His profound impact on hip-hop is reflected in his enduring sales and cultural significance.
#4 – Jay-Z – 101.5 million EAS
Jay-Z’s status as a cultural mogul is matched by his impressive sales. His diverse catalog and business ventures have solidified his place in music history.
#3 – Kanye West – 120.6 million EAS
Kanye West’s trajectory from a promising artist to a controversial figure is unmatched. His influence on music and culture is reflected in his staggering sales figures.
#2 – Drake – 169.4 million EAS
Drake’s dominance in the streaming era has made him a household name. His extensive catalog and record-breaking hits showcase his unparalleled success.
#1 – Eminem – 224.2 million EAS
Eminem stands at the pinnacle of hip-hop sales, with a legacy that is unrivaled. His extensive catalog and cultural impact solidify his position as the best-selling rapper of all time.
This ranking illustrates the dynamic nature of the music industry, highlighting how emerging artists can quickly ascend to the top. For those interested in exploring more about each artist’s statistics, tools are available to compare their sales and streams. Engage in discussions about these rankings and more in the dedicated forums to delve deeper into the world of hip-hop and its best-selling artists.
