In a landmark recognition for contemporary hip-hop, Billboard has officially named Lil Baby’s 2020 album, ‘My Turn,’ as the number one R&B/Hip-Hop Album of the 21st Century. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the album’s enduring chart dominance, critical acclaim, and significant cultural impact, solidifying its place in music history.
Chart Dominance and Record-Breaking Longevity
Billboard’s comprehensive ranking considers album performances on the weekly Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart from the year 2000 through the close of 2024. ‘My Turn’ distinguished itself by achieving unparalleled chart longevity. The album spent an astonishing 128 weeks within the top 10 of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, setting a new record for the most weeks in the top 10 by a male artist. Upon its release in March 2020, ‘My Turn’ debuted at number one, holding the top spot for six weeks and marking Lil Baby’s first number-one album on the Billboard 200. Its chart presence continued to be remarkable, logging its 85th week in the top 10 in March 2022, and by the end of 2024, it had amassed its record-breaking 128 weeks in the upper echelon of the charts. This feat surpasses previous record holders, demonstrating ‘My Turn’s sustained popularity and appeal.
The ‘My Turn’ Phenomenon
Released on February 28, 2020, ‘My Turn’ was met with generally favorable reviews, with critics praising Lil Baby’s vocal delivery and flow. The album featured a star-studded lineup of guest artists, including Gunna, 42 Dugg, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, Moneybagg Yo, Young Thug, and Rylo Rodriguez. Its success was propelled by hit singles such as “Woah,” “Sum 2 Prove,” “Emotionally Scarred,” “All In,” and “The Bigger Picture.” The latter track garnered two Grammy nominations, highlighting its critical and commercial success. ‘My Turn’ not only topped the Billboard 200 upon release, earning 197,000 album-equivalent units, but also became the most consumed album of 2020 in the U.S., with over 2.6 million album-equivalent units. The album was later certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, underscoring its massive commercial reach.
Context of the Top 10
The ‘My Turn’ album’s premier position on Billboard’s 21st-century R&B/Hip-Hop albums list places it ahead of other monumental works in the genre. Following closely behind Lil Baby are Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed “good kid, m.A.A.d city” at number two, and Drake’s influential “Take Care” at number three. The top 10 also features significant contributions from SZA’s “SOS” at number four, Post Malone’s “Hollywood’s Bleeding” at number five, Pop Smoke’s “Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon” at number six, Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” at number seven, The Weeknd’s “The Highlights” at number eight, J. Cole’s “2014 Forest Hills Drive” at number nine, and Juice WRLD’s “Goodbye & Good Riddance” at number ten. This esteemed group represents the diverse and impactful tapestry of R&B and hip-hop music throughout the 21st century.
Lil Baby’s Ascendancy in Hip-Hop
Dominique Armani Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, has cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop. His career trajectory, marked by consistent releases and successful collaborations since his 2018 debut “Harder Than Ever,” has been extraordinary. Albums like “It’s Only Me” and “WHAM” also debuted at number one, further demonstrating his command of the music landscape. This latest accolade from Billboard not only celebrates the immense success of “My Turn” but also underscores Lil Baby’s significant contribution to the evolution and enduring appeal of hip-hop music. As he continues to produce new projects and engage with his audience, Lil Baby’s influence on the music industry remains undeniable.
