In this article we give you the numbers on the top 5 selling hip hop albums of the 90’s. However, before we get into that, let’s summarize the significance of the 90’s in hip hop music.
The 1990s was a transformative decade for hip hop, as the genre experienced an explosion of creativity, commercial success, and cultural impact. During this time, hip hop evolved and diversified, giving rise to multiple subgenres and iconic artists who would shape the future of the genre.
GANGSTA RAP
In the early ’90s, gangsta rap emerged as a dominant force, with artists like N.W.A., Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur pushing the boundaries of lyrical content and delivering gritty tales of street life.
CONSCIOUS RAP
The ’90s also saw the rise of alternative hip hop and conscious rap, with artists like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and The Roots bringing introspection, social commentary, and jazz-infused beats to the forefront. The Fugees, led by Lauryn Hill, achieved mainstream success with their fusion of rap, R&B, and reggae.
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FEMALE MC’S
Female artists made significant strides, with figures like Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, and Missy Elliott breaking barriers and challenging gender norms in the male-dominated industry.
90’S HIP HOP PRODUCTION
The production landscape evolved, with influential producers such as Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and J Dilla crafting innovative beats that became the foundation of classic tracks.
The ’90s also witnessed the commercialization of hip hop, with acts like MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, and Puff Daddy (later known as Diddy) achieving massive mainstream success, although they faced criticism for straying from the genre’s roots.
5 BEST SELLING HIP HOP ALBUMS OF THE 90’S
With that brief summary of 90’s hip hop, let’s get into the top 5 selling hip hop albums of the 90’s.
The Marshall Mathers LP (Eminem)

The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem (1999) – Approximately 32 million copies sold worldwide.
The Chronic (Dr. Dre)

The Chronic by Dr. Dre (1992) – Approximately 5.7 million copies sold in the United States.
All Eyez On Me (2Pac)

All Eyez on Me by 2Pac (1996) – Approximately 10 million copies sold in the United States.
Please Hammer, Don't Hurt'em (MC Hammer)

Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em by MC Hammer (1990) – Approximately 10 million copies sold in the United States
CONCLUSION
Overall, the hip hop of the ’90s was a dynamic and transformative era, characterized by its cultural impact, diverse subgenres, and the emergence of some legendary artists who continue to shape the genre to this day.
And as always we like to close with a saying, quote or adage and today’s is: 90’s HIP HOP RAISED ME.
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