So which 90's era hiphop artist dropped an album in recent years that didn't flop?
You're correct with that point.
No one is moving units not even the new boys.
I still think Jay with all the clout and prestige he has, He would want to keep the appearance up of being a top seller going.
Even though Jay likes to trick the sales figures ie. sprint mobile buying albums and etc.
+ EDIT :
I want to answer your question again lol, it is a very dope point.
I was looking at recent numbers and not to turn this into a Nas versus Jay type thing. OP already tried that lol but Nas is moving units in relation to the current climate. He is outselling Nicki Minaj and other newer acts. Just going off his trilogy for King Disease his numbers are very solid. That's all independent coin too.
KD first week : 47 000
KD2 first week : 56 000
KD3 first week : 35 000 (all in US alone)
compared to :
Megan the Stallion first week : 11 000
Kid Cudi : 26 000
DDG : 10 000
It is interesting The Clipse did really well with their rocnation collabo, since its rocnation the numbers might be off but its like 118 000.
You got to bear in mind some have promotion and marketing budgets while others moving more independently.