Remember the days of suffering on the charts? The heartbreak due to low record sales of our beloved urban artists? Drake held the charts down with an impressive debut, but this week’s numbers are only a few units away from a milli- this time thanks to Eminem. New releases from The Roots, Macy Gray and Keith Sweat also earn a spot on the charts. What’s the status? To the charts we go.
This artist was recognized as the top selling artists of the last decade, and his hype hasn’t clammed down a bit. After having to release the album early due to online leakage, Eminem debuts in the #1 spot with 753,870 units for “Recovery.” At 37 years of age, this is Eminem’s seventh album and the follow-up to his personal 2009 project, “Relapse.” In fact, “Recovery” was suppose to originally be a continuation of the previous album, titled “Relapse 2.” The title may be different, but “Recover” seems to continue the inmate lyricism as “Relapse,” especially on lead single “Not Afraid.” Eminem doesn’t ask for much help on the album other than some vocal features from Pink and Rihanna. Young Money’s Lil Wayne is the only featured rapper. Production on the album includes Dr. Dre, Boi-1da, Just Blaze and more.
After debuting over 400,000, Drake’s fresh baked “Thank Me Later” follows at #2 with 156,451 sold. Our next debut comes from Philly’s favorite hip-hop band The Roots and their latest titled “How I Got Over,” which landed at #6 with 49,320. This is The Roots ninth album and appears to shed light on politics with references to Bush and Obama. The band have a hefty guest list on the album, including: Chrisette Michelle, Beanie Sigel and John Legend. Justin Bieber chimes in at #8 with 43,222 sold for “My World 2.0.”
Keith Sweat returns to the art of music making, and he lands on the charts as well. Debuting with new album “Ridin Solo,” Keith Sweat sells 26,561 at #13. This is Keith’s 10th album following 2008 “Just Me.” The album’s lead cut “Test Drive” features fellow R&B singer Joe, who happens to be the only feature on the album. Following Mr. Sweat, Usher comes in at #14 for “Raymond v. Raymond,” which sold 24,325 this week. Lady Gaga appears a few spots down at #16 for “The Fame,” selling 23,668 more copies. Christina Aguilera drops from #11 to #20 for “Bionic,” selling another 19,307. Black Eyed Peas’ “The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)” sold 16,444 into #22 this week and Ke$ha follows with 15,428 sold for “Animal” at #23.
B.o.B. drops seven slots, but remains on the charts at #26, selling 14,648 for “Adventures of Bobby Ray.” Bieber and Gaga appear agin, this time back-to-back. Bieber’s “My World” EP sells 12,353 at #29 and Gaga’s “The Fame Monster” EP takes #30 and sells 12,274. Alicia Keys sells 11,706 into #33 for “The Element of Freedom.” She’s been gone for a minute, but now she’s back with a new album. Macy Gray debuts at #35 for “The Sellout,” selling 11,463 her first week. This is Macy’s fifth album, which is composed of works recorded from 2008 through 2010. The album’s lead single is “Beauty in the World.” Though the features on the album are limited, one of the guest artist is Bobby Brown. Dropping from #18, Plies now takes #42 for “Goon Affiliated,” selling 9,600. Nas & Damian Marley also fall from #36 to #44 for “Distant Relatives” with 9,301 more copies sold. Surprisingly, Ludacris closes the charts this week with “Battle of the Sexes,” selling 8,631 into #47.
The-Dream releases a new one that shall prove to us why he’s the “Love King.” Will The-Dream reign over Eminem and Drake? Check back next week to find out!
Written by Shabazz
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