Shocking: Eminem Rap Album Sales Skyrocket

Eminem’s Dominance in the 2020s Rap Scene

Among a list dominated by younger stars, Eminem is the only artist from the pre-streaming era to crack the top 10 artists with the highest first-week sales for rap albums of the decade. Based on the Billboard chart data, the list reveals a mix of industry giants and new-gen superstars, with Drake, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar all making multiple appearances. However, one name stands out for his longevity — Eminem. Both of Eminem’s albums from the 2020s — “The Death of Slim Shady” (2024) and “Music To Be Murdered By” (2020) — land in the top 15, with 281,000 and 279,000 first-week units sold, respectively. This achievement places him among only 10 artists on the list and marks him as the sole veteran who launched his career before the streaming era.

Topping the ranking is Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” (2021) with 613,000 units, followed by Juice WRLD’s posthumous “Legends Never Die” (2020) at 497,000 and Travis Scott’s “UTOPIA” (2023) at 496,000. The list also features Kanye West’s “Donda” (2021), J. Cole’s “The Off-Season” (2021), and Playboi Carti’s recent “MUSIC” (2025).

Eminem’s ability to maintain commercial relevance decades into his career is rare. While many of his peers have faded from mainstream charts, his continued presence on high-sales lists underscores his enduring impact on hip hop and, more importantly, the industry and the culture in general.

Highest first-week sales for rap albums in the 2020s so far:

• 1. Drake “Certified Lover Boy” (2021) — 613,000
• 2. Juice WRLD “Legends Never Die” (2020) — 497,000
• 3. Travis Scott “UTOPIA” (2023) — 496,000
• 4. Drake “Her Loss” (2022) — 404,000
• 5. Drake “For All The Dogs” (2023) — 402,000
• 6. Travis Scott “DAYS BEFORE RODEO” (2024) — 361,000
• 7. Kendrick Lamar “GNX” (2024) — 319,000
• 8. Kanye West “Donda” (2021) — 309,000
• 9. Tyler The Creator “CHROMAKOPIA” (2024) — 300,000
• 10. Playboi Carti “MUSIC” (2025) — 298,000
• 11. Kendrick Lamar “Mr. Morale & The Big Stepper”s (2022) — 296,000
• 12. Lil Uzi Vert “Eternal Atake” (2020) — 288,000
• 13. J Cole “The Off Season” (2021) — 282,000
• 14. Eminem “The Death Of Slim Shady” (2024) — 281,000
• 15. Eminem “Music To Be Murdered By” (2020) — 279,000

Eminem’s Impact on Hip Hop Culture

Eminem’s busy year has earned him a spot at No. 7 on Complex’s list of the most impactful rappers of the year. Complex has unveiled its annual ranking of the 100 Hottest Rappers, highlighting the most impactful artists of the year. Notably, Eminem claimed the No. 7 spot, holding his position as a cultural force in the hip hop world.

The list focuses on the influence and impact artists have had over the past year, weighing both empirical metrics like album sales and streams, as well as viral moments and cultural resonance. Eminem’s 2024 output checked all the boxes. His latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)”, was one of the year’s best-selling rap projects, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and moving 281,000 units in its first week.

The lead single, “Houdini”, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while his collaboration with BabyTron and Big Sean, “Tobey”, helped BabyTron secure his first Billboard Hot 100 appearance. Eminem’s influence extended beyond music, as well. He made headlines for introducing Barack Obama at a Kamala Harris rally, where Obama memorably rapped “Lose Yourself”. The viral moment added yet another layer to his cultural significance.

Complex lauded the rap icon, noting: “Rather than simply enduring the times, Eminem is still playing an active role in defining them”. Eminem joins an elite group in Complex’s Top 10, which includes Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator, and Future in the top three spots. The full list is available on Complex’s website.

For Eminem, 2024 was not just a year of new music — it was a new chapter in a career that continues to influence and evolve hip hop’s landscape. Marshall has secured six nominations for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. His groundbreaking music video, “Houdini,” leads the charge with nods in five categories, bringing Em the sixth, Artist of the Year. The categories include:

• Artist of the Year
• Video of the Year
• Best Hip-Hop
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Direction
• Best Editing

Eminem is the only hip hop artist in both main categories, Artist of the Year and Video of the Year. And the only male nominated in the Video of the Year category. Voting is now open and doubles today. Show your support for Eminem by casting your votes multiple times. Let’s bring home those Moonmen! The 2024 MTV VMAs will air on September 10th.

Complex’s 100 Hottest Rappers List



Eminem has secured the No. 7 spot on Morningpicker’s list of the most impactful rappers of the year, as reported by Complex’s 100 Hottest Rappers. This list highlights the most influential artists of the year, taking into account empirical metrics such as album sales and streams, as well as viral moments and cultural resonance. Eminem’s 2024 output has checked all the boxes, with his latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)”, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and moving 281,000 units in its first week.

The lead single, “Houdini”, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while his collaboration with BabyTron and Big Sean, “Tobey”, helped BabyTron secure his first Billboard Hot 100 appearance. Eminem’s influence extended beyond music, as he made headlines for introducing Barack Obama at a Kamala Harris rally, where Obama memorably rapped “Lose Yourself”. This viral moment added yet another layer to his cultural significance.



Analysis of the List’s Criteria and Eminem’s Influence

Morningpicker’s analysis of the list’s criteria reveals that Eminem’s influence on hip hop culture is still significant, even after decades in the industry. His ability to maintain commercial relevance and stay relevant in popular culture is a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry. As Complex noted, “Rather than simply enduring the times, Eminem is still playing an active role in defining them”.

Eminem joins an elite group in the top 10, which includes Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator, and Future in the top three spots. The full list is available on Morningpicker’s website. For Eminem, 2024 was not just a year of new music — it was a new chapter in a career that continues to .

Viral Moments and Cultural Resonance

Eminem’s introduction of Barack Obama at a Kamala Harris rally was a notable moment in his career, showcasing his ability to stay relevant and influence popular culture. The fact that Obama rapped “Lose Yourself” added a new layer of significance to the event, highlighting Eminem’s enduring impact on hip hop culture.

This moment is a testament to Eminem’s ability to stay relevant in the music industry, even after decades of being in the spotlight. His influence extends beyond music, with his name being mentioned in the same breath as other cultural icons. As Morningpicker’s analysis reveals, Eminem’s cultural resonance is still strong, with his music and persona continuing to inspire new generations of fans.

Eminem’s Ability to Stay Relevant

Eminem’s ability to stay relevant in the music industry is a testament to his enduring talent and influence. His music continues to evolve, incorporating new styles and themes while maintaining his signature sound. As a result, he has been able to maintain a strong fan base across different generations, with his music remaining relevant to both old and new fans.

Morningpicker’s analysis of Eminem’s career reveals that his ability to stay relevant is due to his willingness to adapt and evolve. He has been able to navigate the changing music landscape, incorporating new styles and themes into his music while maintaining his signature sound. As a result, he has been able to remain a major force in the music industry, with his music continuing to inspire and influence new generations of fans.

Awards and Nominations

Eminem has secured six nominations for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, including Artist of the Year and Video of the Year. His groundbreaking music video, “Houdini”, leads the charge with nods in five categories, bringing Em the sixth, Artist of the Year. The categories include:

• Artist of the Year
• Video of the Year
• Best Hip-Hop
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Direction
• Best Editing

Eminem is the only hip hop artist in both main categories, Artist of the Year and Video of the Year. And the only male nominated in the Video of the Year category. Voting is now open, and Morningpicker encourages fans to show their support for Eminem by casting their votes multiple times.

MTV Video Music Awards Nominees

The 2024 MTV VMAs will air on September 10th, and Morningpicker will provide live coverage of the event. Eminem’s nominations are a testament to his enduring influence on the music industry, and his ability to stay relevant in popular culture. As Morningpicker’s analysis reveals, Eminem’s music and persona continue to inspire new generations of fans, and his nominations are a well-deserved recognition of his talent and influence.

Morningpicker’s expert analysis of the nominations reveals that Eminem’s groundbreaking music video, “Houdini”, is a major factor in his nominations. The video’s innovative visuals and direction have made it a standout in the music industry, and its nominations are a testament to Eminem’s continued creativity and influence.

Voting and the 2024 MTV VMAs

Voting for the 2024 MTV VMAs is now open, and Morningpicker encourages fans to show their support for Eminem by casting their votes multiple times. The 2024 MTV VMAs will air on September 10th, and Morningpicker will provide live coverage of the event. Eminem’s nominations are a testament to his enduring influence on the music industry, and his ability to stay relevant in popular culture.

Morningpicker’s analysis of the voting process reveals that fan support is crucial in determining the winners of the awards. As a result, Morningpicker encourages fans to vote for Eminem and show their support for his music and persona. By voting, fans can help Eminem bring home the awards and recognize his continued influence and talent in the music industry.

Importance of Supporting Eminem’s Music

Morningpicker’s expert analysis reveals that supporting Eminem’s music is essential in recognizing his continued influence and talent in the music industry. By voting for Eminem and showing support for his music, fans can help him bring home the awards and cement his legacy as one of the most influential artists in hip hop history.

As Morningpicker’s analysis reveals, Eminem’s music and persona continue to inspire new generations of fans, and his nominations are a testament to his enduring influence on the music industry. By supporting his music and voting for him, fans can help recognize his continued creativity and influence and ensure that his legacy continues to endure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eminem’s remarkable achievement of securing two spots among the biggest first-week rap album sales of the 2020s is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence in the music industry. The article highlights the impressive numbers behind his albums “Music to Be Murdered By” and “The Slim Shady LP”, showcasing the rapper’s ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits that resonate with fans across generations.

This remarkable feat holds significant implications for the music industry, as it underscores the power of Eminem’s brand and his capacity to transcend time and trends. As the music landscape continues to evolve, Eminem’s success serves as a reminder of the importance of artistic innovation, creativity, and authenticity. As the industry looks to the future, it will be fascinating to see how emerging artists and established acts alike respond to the challenge of creating music that resonates with contemporary audiences.

In the end, Eminem’s dominance in the rap genre is a powerful reminder that, even in an era of rapid change and shifting tastes, the power of great music can endure. As the industry continues to grapple with the complexities of the digital age, Eminem’s remarkable achievement stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring future generations of artists to push the boundaries of their craft and create music that inspires and uplifts.