male artists with most us no.1 albums

Ranked: Top 10 Male Artists with the Most U.S. No.1 Albums

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In this post, we’ll take a look at the male solo artists with the most No.1 albums in the US, or more specifically, on the Billboard 200 chart. From rock legends and country superstars to hip-hop icons who’ve dominated streaming and sales, these artists have consistently proven their ability to top the charts.

Over the decades, the Billboard 200 has reflected evolving music trends, but these men have remained on top. Here are the 10 chart-topping kings who have and continue to rule the US Album charts.

10. Elton John – 8 No.1 Albums

Elton John, one of the most iconic figures in pop and rock history, has had a career spanning over five decades and plenty of chart-topping success. With his flamboyant style and timeless songwriting, the Rocket Man managed to land eight No.1 albums on the Billboard 200.

From the early 1970s classics to the mid ’90s comeback records, Elton has always found a way to connect with American audiences. His blend of piano rock, glam flair, and emotional storytelling continues to influence generations of artists.

Elton John’s No.1 Albums:

  • Honky Château (1972)
  • Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973_
  • Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
  • Caribou (1974)
  • Greatest Hits (1974)
  • Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
  • Rock of the Westies (1975)
  • The Lion King (1994)

9. Kenny Chesney – 9 No.1 Albums

Country superstar Kenny Chesney is a chart-topping machine, especially when it comes to album sales in the US (not as popular worldwide). With a laid-back beach vibe and heartfelt country storytelling, he’s earned nine No.1 albums on the Billboard 200.

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Chesney’s consistency in the 2000s and 2010s made him one of the most bankable names in country music. His loyal fanbase and strong touring presence have helped him stay at the top of the game for decades.

Kenny Chesney’s No.1 Albums:

  • No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems (2002)
  • When the Sun Goes Down (2004)
  • Be as You Are (Songs from an Old Blue Chair) (2005)
  • The Road and the Radio (2005)
  • Luck Old Sun (2008)
  • Hemingway’s Whiskey (2010)
  • Life on a Rock (2013)
  • Live in No Shoes Nation (2017)
  • Here and Now (2020)

8. Garth Brooks – 9 No.1 Albums

Few artists have dominated country and pop crossover charts like Garth Brooks. Known for revolutionizing country music in the 1990s, Garth brought arena rock energy to the genre and the chart numbers speak for themselves.

With nine US No.1 albums, he’s not just a country icon but one of the best-selling artists in American music history. His blend of emotional ballads and boot-stomping anthems still resonates with millions across the world.

Garth Brooks’ No.1 Albums:

  • Ropin’ the Wind (1991)
  • The Chase (1992)
  • In Pieces (1993)
  • The Hits (1994)
  • Sevens (1997)
  • Double Live (1998)
  • The Limited Series (1998)
  • Scarecrow (2001)
  • Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences (2013)

Fun fact – Garth Brooks holds the top 2 spots on our list of longest No.1 albums

7. Elvis Presley – 10 No.1 Albums

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll left a legacy that’s still felt decades after his passing. Elvis Presley not only changed the face of music but also racked up 10 number one albums in the United States.

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From his early days of rockabilly rebellion to his Vegas-era ballads, Elvis captured the hearts of generations and dominated the Billboard charts.

Elvis Presley’s No.1 Albums:

  • Elvis Presley (1956)
  • Elvis (1956)
  • Loving You (1957)
  • Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957)
  • G.I. Blues (1960)
  • Something for Everybody (1961)
  • Blue Hawaii (1961)
  • Roustabout (1964)
  • Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite (1973)
  • Elvis: 30 No.11 Hits (2002)

6. Future – 11 No.1 Albums

Atlanta trap king Future has quietly built one of the most impressive streaks in rap history. Known for his melodic trap style and prolific output, he’s claimed 11 No.1 albums on the Billboard 200.

Whether dropping solo albums or collaborative projects, Future has mastered the formula for streaming success and loyal fandom. He’s helped shape modern hip-hop and shows no signs of slowing down.

Future’s No.1 Albums:

  • DS2 (2015)
  • What a Time to Be Alive (with Drake) (2015)
  • Evol (2016)
  • Future (2017)
  • HNDRXX (2017)
  • The Wizrd (2019)
  • High Off Life (2020)
  • I Never Liked You (2022)
  • We Don’t Trust You (with Metro Boomin) (2024)
  • We Still Don’t Trust You (with Metro Boomin) (2024)
  • Mixtape Pluto (2024)

Fun fact – Future is part of an elite club with 3 or more US No.1 LPs in a single year

5. Kanye West – 11 No.1 Albums

Love him or hate him, Kanye West is no stranger to the top of the charts, and with 11 US No.1 albums, he’s one of the most dominant male artists in modern music history.

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Known for pushing boundaries in production and performance, each Kanye album feels like a cultural event. His mix of innovation, controversy, and confidence has made him a fixture on the top of the Billboard 200.

Kanye West’s No.1 Albums:

  • Late Registration (2005)
  • Graduation (2007)
  • 808s & Heartbreak (2008)
  • My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
  • Watch the Throne (with Jay-Z) (2011)
  • Yeezus (2013)
  • The Life of Pablo (2016)
  • Ye (2018)
  • Jesus Is King (2019)
  • Donda (2021)
  • Vultures 1 (with Ty Dolla $ign as ¥$) (2024)

4. Eminem – 11 No.1 Albums

Eminem exploded onto the scene in the late ’90s and has dominated the Billboard 200 ever since. With 11 No.1 albums and no plans to stop, Marshall is in a good position to challenge for the top spot on our list.

Known for his lyrical genius and raw honesty, each release generates massive attention and commercial success. Slim Shady remains one of the most consistent hitmakers in hip-hop history.

Eminem’s No.1 Albums:

  • The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
  • The Eminem Show (2002)
  • Encore (2004)
  • Curtain Call: The Hits (2005)
  • Relapse (2009)
  • Recovery (2010)
  • The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013)
  • Revival (2017)
  • Kamikaze (2018)
  • Music to Be Murdered By (2020)
  • The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) (2024)

3. Bruce Springsteen – 11 No.1 Albums

The Boss has been delivering heartland rock anthems and poetic storytelling for over 40 years. Bruce Springsteen has 11 No.1 albums in the US, cementing his place as one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters and performers.

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From political themes to personal introspection, Bruce’s music has remained deeply connected to the American spirit. His longevity and talent have made him a Billboard mainstay for decades.

Bruce Springsteen’s No.1 Albums:

  • The River (1980)
  • Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
  • Live/1975–85 (1986)
  • Tunnel of Love (1987)
  • Greatest Hits (1995)
  • The Rising (2002)
  • Devils & Dust (2005)
  • Magic (2007)
  • Working on a Dream (2009)
  • Wrecking Ball (2012)
  • High Hopes (2014)

2. Drake – 14 No.1 Albums

Drake is a hit factory. Blending rap, R&B, and pop with viral ease, he’s amassed 14 US No.1 albums, tying him with Jay-Z for the most among male solo artists.

From his early mixtape days to massive global dominance, Drake continues to reinvent himself with each release and solidifies his dominance on the streaming platforms. How high is his ceiling? Only time will tell.

Drake’s No.1 Albums:

  • Thank Me Later (2010)
  • Take Care (2011)
  • Nothing Was the Same (2013)
  • If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late (2015)
  • What a Time to Be Alive (with Future) (2015)
  • Views (2016)
  • More Life (2017)
  • Scorpion (2018)
  • Care Package (2019)
  • Certified Lover Boy (2021)
  • Honestly, Nevermind (2022)
  • Her Loss (with 21 Savage) (2022)
  • For All the Dogs (2023)
  • Some Sexy Songs 4 U (2025)

1. Jay-Z – 14 No.1 Albums

At the top of the list sits Jay-Z, with 14 number one albums, making him the male solo artist with the most chart-toppers in Billboard 200 history, tied only with Drake. And remarkably, his wife Beyonce ranks among the Top 10 female singers with the most US No.1 albums.

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From hustler to hip-hop mogul, Hova‘s evolution has mirrored the growth of rap itself. Each album drop has been a major event, filled with lyrical depth, commercial appeal, and cultural impact. His reign spans decades, and still sets the standard.

Jay-Z’s No.1 Albums:

  1. Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life (1998)
  2. Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
  3. The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
  4. The Blueprint (2001)
  5. The Blueprint 2 (2002)
  6. The Black Album (2003)
  7. Unfinished Business (with R. Kelly) (2004)
  8. Collision Course (with Linkin Park) (2004)
  9. Kingdom Come (2006)
  10. American Gangster (2007)
  11. The Blueprint 3 (2009)
  12. Watch the Throne (with Kanye West) (2011)
  13. Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013)
  14. 4:44 (2017)

Read next – Top 10 Men with the most No.1 Singles in the US

Final Thoughts

From rock royalty to rap titans, these artists have truly dominated the Billboard 200 chart and left a lasting legacy in American music. Whether it’s Elton John’s timeless melodies, Future’s trap-heavy anthems, Bruce Springsteen‘s ballads, or Jay-Z’s business-savvy lyricism, each of these men earned their place through consistently releasing fresh and creative material.

As streaming, sales, and the music industry evolve, it’ll be fascinating to see who rises to challenge their reign. Until then, these 10 are the male artists with the most No.1 albums in US chart history.