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They may not have invented it, but 50 Cent, Jay Z and Sean “Puffy” Combs definitely helped popularize the trend of emphasizing sales being as equally or more important than actual rhyming skills.

Jay Z and Diddy

photo: WENN

The ultimate mark of commercial dominance is diamond status—10 million or more albums sold.

Interestingly, according to the RIAA, neither Puff, 50, or Hov have individually reached that level with one album. But the voices behind these 19 certified diamond Rap and R&B albums have. Hit the jump and see if they’re in your collection.


Photo: WENN

Usher – Confessions

OutKast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP

2Pac – All Eyez On Me

Michael Jackson – Thriller

The Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death

Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard (Soundtrack)

2Pac – Greatest Hits

TLC – CrazySexyCool

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend

Prince And The Revolution – Purple Rain (Soundtrack)

Mariah Carey – Daydream

Eminem – The Eminem Show

Stevie Wonder – Songs In The Key Of Life

Mariah Carey – Music Box

Hammer – Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em

Boyz II Men – II

Lionel Richie – Can’t Slow Down

Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston

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