When it comes to the music industry, reaching diamond status is the ultimate achievement. This prestigious milestone is achieved when an artist’s album sells over 10 million copies. There are only a handful of rappers who have managed to reach this level of success. Let’s take a look at some of the rappers who have gone diamond.
Eminem
One of the most iconic figures in hip-hop, Eminem is the first and only rapper to have multiple albums certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His albums “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “The Eminem Show” both achieved diamond status, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Tupac Shakur
Another legendary rapper who has achieved diamond status is Tupac Shakur. His album “Greatest Hits” has sold over 10 million copies, making him one of the few rappers to reach this milestone posthumously.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Known for his lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities, The Notorious B.I.G. achieved diamond status with his album “Life After Death.” This posthumous release solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
MC Hammer
While not a traditional hip-hop artist, MC Hammer managed to achieve diamond status with his album “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em.” This album featured hits like “U Can’t Touch This” and “Pray,” solidifying MC Hammer’s status as a hip-hop icon.
OutKast
As one of the most innovative rap duos in history, OutKast achieved diamond status with their album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.” This double album showcased the duo’s unique blend of hip-hop, funk, and pop, leading to widespread critical and commercial success.
Nelly
With his infectious hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” Nelly managed to achieve diamond status with his album “Country Grammar.” This St. Louis rapper’s unique blend of hip-hop and pop sensibilities resonated with audiences worldwide.
Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys are another iconic rap group who achieved diamond status with their album “Licensed to Ill.” This groundbreaking album featured hits like “Fight for Your Right” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” solidifying the group’s status as pioneers of rap-rock fusion.
Vanilla Ice
While often dismissed as a one-hit wonder, Vanilla Ice managed to achieve diamond status with his album “To the Extreme.” This album featured the ubiquitous hit “Ice Ice Baby” and solidified Vanilla Ice’s place in hip-hop history.
Kid Rock
Known for his eclectic blend of genres, Kid Rock achieved diamond status with his album “Devil Without a Cause.” This album featured hits like “Bawitdaba” and “Cowboy,” showcasing Kid Rock’s unique blend of rap, rock, and country influences.
Notorious Soundtracks
The “8 Mile” and “Bad Boys II” soundtracks both achieved diamond status, featuring tracks from artists like Eminem, Jay-Z, and Nelly. These iconic soundtracks helped propel the success of the respective films and showcased the best of hip-hop at the time.
Jay-Z
While Jay-Z has not achieved diamond status with any of his solo albums, he has done so as a featured artist on multiple songs. His collaborations with artists like Linkin Park and Beyoncé have helped him reach this rare milestone.
Kanye West
Despite his immense popularity and critical acclaim, Kanye West has yet to achieve diamond status with any of his albums. However, his influence and impact on the hip-hop genre cannot be understated.
Lil Wayne
Another hip-hop heavyweight, Lil Wayne has yet to achieve diamond status with any of his albums. However, his prolific output and influence on the rap game have solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of his generation.