Hip-Hop Artists with the Most Billboard #1 Albums

In hip-hop, the title of “Greatest of All Time” is one of the most debated topics. Everyone has their own criteria—some value lyricism, others focus on cultural influence, while some measure greatness by longevity. But one undeniable way to gauge an artist’s mainstream success is by looking at the number of #1 albums they’ve produced.

This article isn’t about crowning the greatest hip-hop artist of all time, but rather highlighting the artists who have dominated the Billboard 200 with the most #1 albums. While commercial success isn’t the only measure of greatness—many underground artists have left an equally powerful impact—chart dominance is a testament to influence, reach, and staying power in the industry.

Here are the hip-hop artists with the most #1 albums on the Billboard 200.

1. Jay-Z – 14 Number One Albums

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, holds the record for the most #1 albums by a hip-hop artist. His first chart-topper, Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life (1998), set the stage for an illustrious career. Albums like The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003), and 4:44 (2017) have cemented his legacy not just as a rapper but as a businessman and cultural icon.

Notable #1 Albums: The Blueprint, The Black Album, American Gangster, 4:44

2. Drake – 14 Number One Albums

Tying Jay-Z for the most #1 albums, Drake has been a dominant force in hip-hop since his debut Thank Me Later (2010). With his unique blend of rap and R&B, he has consistently topped the charts, from Take Care (2011) to Scorpion (2018) and For All the Dogs (2024). His ability to reinvent himself and stay ahead of trends has kept him at the top for over a decade.

Notable #1 Albums: Take Care, Nothing Was the Same, Views, Scorpion, For All the Dogs

3. Eminem – 11 Number One Albums

Eminem is one of hip-hop’s best-selling artists, with 11 albums reaching #1. His breakthrough, The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), is still one of the highest-selling rap albums of all time. His ability to push boundaries with his storytelling, wordplay, and controversial themes has made him one of the most recognizable figures in rap history.

Notable #1 Albums: The Eminem Show, Recovery, Kamikaze, Music to Be Murdered By

4. Kanye West – 11 Number One Albums

Kanye West’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. From The College Dropout (2004) to Donda (2021), his albums have consistently debuted at #1, each one pushing musical boundaries in different ways. His ability to evolve with each project has kept him relevant for nearly two decades.

Notable #1 Albums: Graduation, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Yeezus, Donda

5. Future – 11 Number One Albums

Future has quietly built an impressive legacy, with 11 #1 albums. His first, DS2 (2015), helped redefine modern trap music, and he has since continued his reign with hits like High Off Life (2020) and I Never Liked You (2022). His influence on the sound of contemporary rap is undeniable.

Notable #1 Albums: DS2, Future, Hndrxx, I Never Liked You

6. Nas – 6 Number One Albums

Nas, often considered one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop, has had a steady career with six #1 albums. His second album, It Was Written (1996), was his first to top the charts, and decades later, he is still winning Grammys and dropping critically acclaimed projects. His King’s Disease series has introduced his music to a new generation.

Notable #1 Albums: It Was Written, Life Is Good, King’s Disease, King’s Disease III

7. J. Cole – 6 Number One Albums

J. Cole’s reputation as one of the most introspective and respected rappers of his generation is backed up by his six #1 albums. His ability to balance mainstream success with deep, personal storytelling has made him a fan favorite. Every one of his studio albums has reached the top of the charts.

Notable #1 Albums: 2014 Forest Hills Drive, KOD, The Off-Season

8. Nicki Minaj – 3 Number One Albums

Nicki Minaj is one of the most successful female rappers in history, and her Billboard success reflects that. Her Pink Friday series has cemented her status in hip-hop, with Pink Friday 2 (2023) breaking records and proving her continued dominance.

Notable #1 Albums: Pink Friday, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Pink Friday 2

9. Kendrick Lamar – 3 Number One Albums

Despite having fewer #1 albums than others on this list, Kendrick Lamar’s influence is undeniable. His ability to craft conceptual albums that resonate culturally and critically has made him one of the most respected MCs in modern rap. Damn (2017) even won the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

Notable #1 Albums: To Pimp a Butterfly, Damn, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

10. Lil Wayne – 3 Number One Albums

Lil Wayne has been a major force in hip-hop since the early 2000s. While some of his earlier classics didn’t reach #1, he has still managed to land three chart-topping albums. Tha Carter III (2008) was a cultural moment, and he continues to influence new generations of rappers.

Notable #1 Albums: Tha Carter III, Tha Carter IV, Tha Carter V

Final Thoughts

While the title of “Greatest of All Time” is always up for debate, the number of #1 albums an artist achieves is a solid measure of their mainstream impact. These artists have consistently topped the charts, proving their ability to adapt, evolve, and stay relevant over time.

However, success on the charts isn’t the only measure of greatness. Many legendary underground artists never receive this kind of mainstream recognition but have just as much influence in shaping hip-hop culture. Chart success is just one piece of the story.

Who do you think will be the next artist to climb this list? Let us know in the comments.