It's the stans, GP and the labels. The labels aren't properly promoting their artists on global fronts like they did back in the day. In the 70s, 80s and 90s artists did promo amy and everywhere... Nightclubs, local TV/radio stations, national and local magazines as well as awards shows and national talk shows. That's why even average artists like Xscape, SWV, Britney and Jessica Simpson could sell multiplatinum albums off Top 20/30 singles. Nowadays, off a Top 20 single, you'd be lucky to see long term sales of 200k tbh. Look at Ciara for example. Body Party sold nearly 600k and peaked on #22 on the Hot 100 and her album had a strong promo push but inly sold 60k the 1st wk... Because the stans were too busy fighting on social media, the GP wasn't interest in R&B and her label didn't push her onto global front with songs like Overdose, Livin' It Up or One Night with You. Some artists like Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Tamar, Brandy and Janelle Monae don't have the GP on their side so their labels have to push them harder than Rihanna, Miley, Gaga and Katy who's music has a general appeal while their's has a specific appeal. Look at artists like Toni, TLC, DC, Whitney, Janet and Mariah, they got pushed on a huge national and global front... Which equals huge national and global hit singles and massive album sales. However, the young generation is interested in buying a $10-15 album, they'd rather spend $1.29 on a single or just illegally download it from 4shared, mp3skull or Music Paradise instead. The reason Adele sold so well for 2-3 yrs is because she was promoted EVERYWHERE and her music has a universal appeal, everyone can relate to general themes of heartache and love