Drake Continues to Dominate the 2024 Sales Charts

Drake remains at the forefront of the hip-hop industry as the top-selling artist of 2024 by album units, even without releasing a new album this year. The ranking, shared by Chart Data on X (formerly Twitter), solidifies the Toronto rapper‘s status as a powerhouse in music.

DJ Akademiks recently shed light on Drake’s enduring success, attributing it largely to his extensive back catalog. “Eighty to 85 percent of Drake’s current streams come from albums that dropped over six years ago,” Akademiks noted during a livestream. “By releasing music frequently in the past, he’s ensured that his older projects continue to thrive.”

Young money number 1 male and female rapper

— lala (@lala_w_87) December 1, 2024

Kendrick Lamar Ranks High Amidst Ongoing Feud

Three spots below Drake, in fourth place, is Kendrick Lamar. The two titans of hip-hop have kept fans riveted throughout 2024 with a series of diss tracks aimed at each other. Lamar’s strong position is bolstered by his latest project, GNX, which debuted on streaming platforms last month. Projected to exceed 300,000 total sales in its opening week, GNX is a star-studded affair featuring collaborations with AzChike, Dody6, Hitta J3, Peysoh, Roddy Ricch, Siete7x, SZA, Wallie the Sensei, Lefty Gunplay, and YoungThreat.

Nicki Minaj Reigns Supreme as 2024’s Best-Selling Female Rapper

In an era where female rap is thriving, Nicki Minaj continues to dominate. Crowned the best-selling female rapper in the United States for 2024, the self-proclaimed “Queen of Rap” achieved this milestone without releasing any new music this year.

Minaj’s unparalleled success in sales, streams, and influence keeps her ahead of her contemporaries, including Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B. This accomplishment highlights her enduring legacy and devoted fanbase, reigniting discussions about her position in hip-hop’s ever-changing landscape.

The Top 10 Female Rappers by 2024 US Sales

The diversity and competitiveness of female rap are evident in this year’s rankings:

1. Nicki Minaj
2. Doja Cat
3. Megan Thee Stallion
4. GloRilla
5. Sexyy Red
6. Cardi B
7. Latto
8. Flo Milli
9. Lauryn Hill
10. Ice Spice

Best selling female rappers in 2024 so far by total units (US):

#1 Nicki Minaj
#2 Doja Cat
#3 Megan Thee Stallion
#4 GloRilla
#5 Sexyy Red
#6 Cardi B
#7 Latto
#8 Flo Milli
#9 Lauryn Hill
#10 Ice Spice

— chart data (@chartdata) December 1, 2024