If classics sell, why did it take Illmatic close to a decade to go platinum? This is the album that was revered when it dropped. Revered throughout history and barely moved units. It has no platinum singles. Very little radio play. Same for Purple Tape. These are considered 2 of the greatest albums ever made. Hell, it took Com Sense 20 years for Be to go platinum.
And just because an album sells in current day, doesn't make it a classic. If anything, it's been put on full display how many followers there are.
And impact is suggestive. Pretty much every one-hit wonder has held impact or influence, especially in modern day. As well as moved units, no matter how brief. And these newer albums aren't even selling.
The funny thing is y'all aren't even repeat streaming these newer albums. They come and go. Every single one of them. When talking classics in hip-hop, there used to be 1 constant - the quality of the music and cohesiveness of the album. But I guess younger fans are different.