Black Women with Record-Breaking First Week Album Sales
- Paige Hatalyn Walker
- Jun 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Black women in music are a force. We constantly innovate, set trends, and shape the industry.
Yet, as I’ve studied music history, one thing remains clear—Black artists, especially Black women, are often undervalued.
The last time a Black woman won Album of the Year at the Grammys was 25 years ago. Only three Black women have ever won this award:
Natalie Cole (1992)
Whitney Houston (1994)
Lauryn Hill (1999)
Before them, the Grammys had 66 opportunities to recognize a Black woman for Album of the Year, but legends like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Donna Summer never received that honor.
This brings me to the focus of this post—let’s dive into the highest first-week sales of Black female artists in the 21st century.
Top-Selling First-Week Albums by Black Women (Since 2000):
As I Am – Alicia Keys (2007) → 742K
The Breakthrough – Mary J. Blige (2005) → 729K
Survivor – Destiny’s Child (2001) → 663K
Lemonade – Beyoncé (2016) → 653K
Growing Pains – Mary J. Blige (2007) → 629K
The Diary of Alicia Keys – Alicia Keys (2003) → 618K
Beyoncé – Beyoncé (2013) → 617K
All for You – Janet Jackson (2001) → 605K
B’Day – Beyoncé (2006) → 541K
Soldier of Love – Sade (2010) → 502K
Ashanti – Ashanti (2002) → 502K
Destiny Fulfilled – Destiny’s Child (2004) → 497K
I Am… Sasha Fierce – Beyoncé (2008) → 482K
E=MC² – Mariah Carey (2008) → 463K
The Element of Freedom – Alicia Keys (2009) → 417K
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé (2024) → 407K
The Emancipation of Mimi – Mariah Carey (2005) → 404K
Damita Jo – Janet Jackson (2004) → 381K
Pink Friday – Nicki Minaj (2010) → 375K
The Evolution – Ciara (2006) → 338K
Stronger With Each Tear – Mary J. Blige (2009) → 332K
Renaissance – Beyoncé (2022) → 332K
Chapter II – Ashanti (2003) → 326K
A Different Me – Keyshia Cole (2008) → 322K
SOS – SZA (2022) → 318K
After looking at these 25 albums, it’s hard to believe that not one of them won Album of the Year—especially the first five.
What Does It Take to Win Album of the Year?
I looked into the Grammy selection process, and here’s what I found:
Eligibility: Albums must be released between October 1 of the previous year and September 30 of the current year.
Voting: Members of the Recording Academy—artists, producers, and engineers—vote for nominees and winners.
Artistic Ability: Albums are judged on songwriting, production, and vocal/instrumental performance.
Impact & Reception: Though not an official criterion, commercial success and cultural impact can influence votes.
Yet in 2023, Grammy voters admitted that they didn’t vote for Beyoncé because she “wins too many awards.”
Black Women in R&B: The Peak and The Future
Black female R&B was at its peak 10–20 years ago. Some might find that opinion controversial, but the dominance we saw in the 2000s and early 2010s is something we may never witness again.
If a modern Black female artist is going to win Album of the Year, my bets are on Doja Cat or Victoria Monét.
The Role of BET and Black Music Recognition
Some argue that we shouldn’t expect the Grammys to celebrate us, saying, “That’s why we have BET.” But even BET has failed Black artists in recent years.
BET was founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson to celebrate Black culture and music. Shows like Rap City, Video Soul, and BET News gave Black artists a platform.
But after Viacom bought BET in 2001, things changed. The network shifted toward reality TV, reruns, and stereotypical content. Thoughtful programming was replaced, and the platform lost much of its cultural influence.
In recent years, BET has tried to improve by working with Black creators, but it still hasn’t regained its former status.
The Legacy of Black Women in Music
Regardless of Grammy recognition, Black women have shaped music in undeniable ways. Album of the Year or not, their voices, artistry, and influence are unmatched.
And they will continue to define the sound of the future.
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