The sales climate was different. None of them nikkaz aside from 50 would do any numbers today.
50 ain't going to do 50 numbers today... that's not the point.
the point is if you come out with a grounded loyal fanbase and grind and able to grow that fanbase....that loyal group of fans will stick with you. if you are able to have an already established fanbase, and join or be part of a group label or clique that is currently the hottest out, you are guaranteed success. in fact, lets USE 50 cent. in 2002, 50 cent had a HUGE buzz, based on gaining a large underground fanbase. he was the most wanted free agent at the time. then he signed with eminen & dr. dre who BOTH were at the peak of their own individual successes with the chronic 2001 album and the MMLP. so, with 50 ALREADY having established his fanbase, and joining shady/aftermath.... the mere ANTICIPATION was next level!
this then benefit his own G-Unit clique.They're feeding off the success that 50 cent obtained.
This is the same thing right now with Schoolboy Q. Schoolboy Q, from years of his own grind and shows, and previous independent albums and so forth, HAS his own fanbase. Then being part of TDE, he's connected to that larger group, then being Kendrick's right hand man and the mega-success he has, he got those fans to check him out... then you have those outside that are curious about whut the hype is all about, and they'll check it out.
It's BECAUSE Kendrick is at the top of the rap game right now, and BECAUSE TDE is the hottest label doing it right now, along with his hard SELF grind selling out his OWN individual shows, and parlaying, and putting that grind in, that it's a no-brainer he will have success in sales.