1. Brandy – Brandy (1994)
Brandy’s debut album, which includes “I Wanna Be Down With You” and “Baby,” sold 1.2 million copies in the country and was the 52nd best selling album of the year.
2. Tevin Campbell – T.E.V.I.N. (1991)
The R&B singer was nominated for his first two Grammys, which included the Prince-produced single, “Round and Round,” which won Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Male.
3. Toni Braxton – Toni Braxton (1993)
‘The Braxtons’ singer found huge success in her solo debut album with over 10 million copies sold worldwide and was certified 8x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
4. Kris Kross – Totally Krossed Out (1992)
Produced and mostly written by Jermaine Dupri, the 12 and 13-year-old had everyone ‘jumping’ in 1992.
5. Bel Biv Devoe – Poison (1990)
After New Edition broke up, three of their members joined forces. Their album peaked at five on the U.S. Billboard 200 while reaching the top spot on the R&B Albums chart.
6. 2Pac – 2Pacalypse Now (1991)
‘2Pacalypse Now’ spoke on police brutality, poverty, racism, and more. 2Pac’s debut album gave us the instant classic “Brenda’s Got a Baby” and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
7. Mariah Carey – Mariah Carey (1990)
Certified 9x platinum by the RIAA, Carey’s self-titled album swept the 1991 Billboard Awards by bringing home four awards, including number one pop artist and number one album.
8. Brian McKnight – Brian McKnight (1992)
This was our introduction to the R&B legend and featured his hit single, “One Last Cry.”
9. Ice Cube – Amerikkka’s Most Wanted (1990)
After splitting from N.W.A., the L.A native quickly released his debut studio album which spoke on drug addiction, racism, and life in the ghetto. ‘Amerikkka’s Most Wanted’ is known as one of the defining hip hop albums of the 90s.
10. Snoop Dogg – Doggystyle (1993)
Soul Train Music Award winner for Best Rap Album, Doggystyle debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 806,858 copies in its first week in the U.S.
11. Boyz II Men – Cooleyhighharmony (1991)
Although their album debuted at 58 on the Billboard 200, ‘Cooleyhighharmony’ made its way to the third spot and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
12. Jodeci – Forever My Lady (1991)
Debuting number one on the Top R&B Albums during its first week, the R&B quartet won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album from a Group, Band, or Duo.
13. Mary J. Blige – What’s the 411? (1992)
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul was certified triple platinum by the RIAA and eventually went on to sell 3.4 million copies.
14. Aaliyah – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994)
The New York singer had everyone going ‘back, back, forth, and forth’ in her debut album which was certified Gold in Canada and the United Kingdom.
15. Nas – Illmatic (1994)
Although Nas is known as one of the greatest MCs of all time, ‘Illmatic’s’ five singles didn’t reach significant chart success and the album failed to meet initial expectations.
16. Dr. Dre – The Chronic (1992)
Released by his own record label Death Row Records, the former N.W.A member sold 3 million copies in the United States. ‘The Chronic’ gave Dr. Dre his first Grammy win for “Let Me Ride.”
17. En Vogue – Born To Sing (1990)
Their debut song “Hold On,” (which garnered them the Soul Train Award for Best R&B/Soul Single from a Group, Band, or Duo) along with “Lies” and “You Don’t Have to Worry” all peeked to number one on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart.