Lil Baby’s ‘My Turn’: The Biggest Rap Album of the 21st Century
Lil Baby continues to dominate the hip-hop world, with his 2020 album My Turn being crowned the most popular rap album of the century by Billboard. This incredible feat solidifies the Atlanta rapper’s place among the greatest in the game, as My Turn topped the charts and became an undeniable cultural milestone.
Billboard’s Top 200 of the 21st Century
On January 9, Billboard unveiled its Top Billboard 200 Albums of the 21st Century list, which ranks albums based on their performance on the weekly Billboard 200 charts from January 1, 2000, to December 28, 2024.
My Turn secured the 8th overall spot, beating out albums from heavyweights like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Among the top-ranked projects, it stood tall as the leading rap album, a testament to its massive impact and Lil Baby’s enduring appeal.
The only other rap albums in the top 25 include:
- Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding (No. 7)
- Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. (No. 25)
Other notable entries include Drake’s Views (No. 28) and Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (No. 31).
Lil Baby’s New Era with WHAM
The celebration doesn’t stop with My Turn. Lil Baby’s latest album, WHAM (Who Hard As Me), is making waves, projected to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. According to Chart Predictions, the album is set to achieve between 115k–125k album equivalent units in its opening week.
Released on January 3, WHAM boasts an impressive roster of collaborators, including Travis Scott, Future, Young Thug, 21 Savage, and GloRilla. This will mark Lil Baby’s fourth consecutive No. 1 album, following:
- My Turn
- The Voice of the Heroes (2021, with Lil Durk)
- It’s Only Me (2022)
Upcoming Projects: Two Albums in 2025
Lil Baby has more in store for fans. He recently announced plans to release two new albums in 2025, showcasing different facets of his artistry. During an interview on Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place podcast, the rapper revealed the titles and themes of the projects:
- WHAM – A high-energy album reflecting his lavish lifestyle, featuring themes of fast cars, girls, and money.
- Dominique – A deeply personal project named after his real name, aiming to provide fans with a more vulnerable and introspective side of the rapper.
Fans can expect Dominique to drop as early as February, making 2025 a banner year for Lil Baby’s evolution as an artist.
A Legacy in the Making
With accolades like My Turn leading the century’s rap albums and his commitment to pushing boundaries, Lil Baby is cementing his legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation. Whether through chart-topping hits or raw storytelling, Lil Baby continues to shape the sound of modern rap.
Why My Turn Matters
Lil Baby’s My Turn not only redefined his career but also set a new standard in hip-hop. Its massive chart success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact highlight the album’s enduring legacy. As Lil Baby continues to evolve as an artist, his ability to balance mainstream appeal with meaningful storytelling ensures his place at the forefront of the rap scene.
