Lil Baby's critically acclaimed album, 'My Turn,' has achieved a significant milestone, being recognized by Billboard as the premier R&B/Hip-Hop album of the 21st century. This accolade highlights the album's remarkable enduring success and profound influence within the music industry since its debut. Its sustained presence on the charts and unparalleled performance solidify its status as a landmark recording in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The album's journey through the music landscape, marked by its impressive chart longevity, distinguishes it as a pivotal work from the early part of this century, setting new standards for artists in the genre.
'My Turn' first launched in March 2020, swiftly ascending to the pinnacle of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. This marked a career-defining moment for the artist, securing his inaugural number one album. The record maintained its leading position for a commendable six weeks, demonstrating its immediate and widespread appeal. Its longevity on the charts became increasingly evident, culminating in March 2022 when it established a new record for the most weeks spent within the chart's top 10. By the close of 2024, the album had amassed an astounding 128 weeks in the top tier, an unprecedented achievement for a male artist in the chart's extensive history.
The album's success story is further amplified when viewed in the context of other prominent releases that have shaped the R&B/Hip-Hop landscape of the 21st century. Following closely in the top echelons of Billboard's prestigious list are records from a diverse array of influential artists. These include Juice WRLD's 'Goodbye & Good Riddance' at No. 10, J. Cole's '2014 Forest Hills Drive' at No. 9, The Weeknd's 'The Highlights' at No. 8, Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' at No. 7, and Pop Smoke's 'Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon' at No. 6. Also making significant appearances are Post Malone's 'Hollywood's Bleeding' at No. 5, SZA's 'SOS' at No. 4, Drake's 'Take Care' at No. 3, and Lamar's 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' rounding out the top two. The compilation of these esteemed works underscores the vibrant and competitive nature of the genre, with 'My Turn' emerging as a standout in a field of exceptionally talented musicians.
The enduring triumph of 'My Turn' signals a monumental moment for Lil Baby, firmly embedding his work in the annals of hip-hop and R&B history. This recognition by Billboard not only celebrates the album's past achievements but also underscores its lasting legacy and continued relevance in shaping the sound of modern music. It exemplifies how exceptional artistry, combined with consistent chart performance, can lead to a definitive statement on an entire genre's trajectory over two decades.