Which 1990 MC Hammer album became the first hip-hop album certified diamond by the RIAA?

MC Hammer’s 1990 album Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em became the first hip-hop album certified diamond by the RIAA.

Released on February 12, 1990, the album became a major crossover success through singles including “U Can’t Touch This,” “Have You Seen Her,” and “Pray.” Its polished production, dance-focused videos, and Hammer’s energetic performances brought rap to a huge pop audience.

The RIAA awards diamond certification for at least 10 million certified units in the United States. Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em reached that milestone before other landmark multi-platinum rap albums, making it an important commercial milestone in hip-hop history.

The album is sometimes confused with The Marshall Mathers LP or Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which also achieved diamond status later. Hammer’s album was the first hip-hop release to reach that certification, not merely the first rap album to top a chart.