He started from the bottom – but, last year, Drake was the world’s best-selling recording artist.
IFPI, the organization representing the global recorded music industry, released its stats for 2018 on Tuesday.
The Toronto rap superstar becomes the first artist to receive the title more than once (he had the honour in 2016). Ed Sheehan, Adele, Taylor Swift and One Direction were past winners.
“Drake has had an incredible, record-breaking year,” said Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, in a release. “That Drake has won this award for the second time is testament to his continued global appeal and his ability to engage and connect with fans.”
Drake’s June 2018 release Scorpion included hits like “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What” and “In My Feelings.”
The annual IFPI rankings are compiled using sales in all formats and streaming data.
The 10 top-selling recording artists of 2018 are below:
1. Drake2. BTS3. Ed Sheeran4. Post Malone5. Eminem6. Queen7. Imagine Dragons8. Ariana Grande9. Lady Gaga10. Bruno Mars