Eminem’s Curtain Call: The Hits has officially cemented its place in music history, becoming the first hip-hop album ever to spend 700 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart. This achievement places the compilation album among an elite group of just six albums to reach this milestone since the chart’s inception in 1956.
Curtain Call: The Hits, released in 2005, is a testament to Eminem’s enduring influence on the music industry. The album features a collection of his biggest hits from his early career, including tracks from iconic albums like The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, and the 8 Mile soundtrack.
A Legacy Defined by Chart Dominance
The album’s longevity on the Billboard 200 can be attributed to several factors, including Eminem’s continued popularity and the enduring appeal of his early work. Furthermore, a 2009 rule change by Billboard allowing catalog albums back on the charts has played a significant role. This change, coupled with the rise of streaming, has benefited albums like Curtain Call, as individual song streams contribute to the album’s overall chart performance.
The Power of Hits Compilations in the Streaming Era
Curtain Call: The Hits has consistently outsold Eminem’s other albums in terms of traditional sales, meaning its streams are credited to the compilation rather than the original studio albums. This phenomenon highlights how greatest hits collections can find a second life in the age of streaming, often outperforming an artist’s studio albums.
Joining the 700 Club: An Exclusive League of Musical Titans
Eminem’s achievement places him in a prestigious group of artists who have also surpassed the 700-week mark on the Billboard 200:
- 990 weeks: Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon
- 851 weeks: Bob Marley, Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers
- 821 weeks: Journey, Journey’s Greatest Hits
- 758 weeks: Metallica, Metallica
- 710 weeks: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits
Eminem’s Continued Impact
The success of Curtain Call: The Hits is a testament to Eminem’s lasting influence on music. His ability to connect with audiences across generations has solidified his position as one of the most successful artists of all time.
This latest milestone further cements Eminem’s place in music history and demonstrates the enduring power of his music to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.
