Wale has earned his second number one on the Billboard 200 with the release of his fourth studio album, The Album About Nothing. The project moved 100k units (SPS) since its release last week, securing the top spot above Ludacris‘ new release at number 3 with Ludaversal. In comparison, Wale‘s debut album Attention Deficit came in at number 21 with 28,000 units sold in November of 2009 (despite having Lady Gaga on its lead single,) his sophomore feat Ambition debuted at number 2 in November of 2011 with 164,000 units sold, and his last release, The Gifted, debuted at number 1 in June of 2013 with 158k units sold. Check out the full top 10 of this week’s Billboard 200 below.
Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Princes 2015 List
Every year, Forbes releases a Hip-Hop Cash Kings list that includes the biggest money-earners in the genre, but last year, they began doing a Hip-Hop Cash Princes list as well. This list has less to do with the actual amount they’ve earned thus far, but more so focuses on predicting who will soon make their way into the Kings category. It’s kind of like the XXL Freshmen list for money-making, in a sense. Any hip-hop act under age 30 as of March 31st, 2015 is eligible for the list, as long as he or she hasn’t appeared on a previous Cash Kings or Princes list. Curated by DJ Khaled, Tyga, Peter Rosenberg and Forbes staff writers Natalie Robehmed and Zack O’Malley Greenburg this year, the Class of 2015 is made up of 12 artists – 2 singers, 3 producers (one of which is also a rapper) and 7 rappers…and only one girl made the cut. Can you guess who? Hit the gallery to find out who made the Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Princes 2015 list!
Billboard’s Top 10 Album Sales, Week Ending 3/29/15 … Congrats To Action Bronson On A #7 Debut!
For the second week in a row, Kendrick Lamar is sitting on top of the Billboard 200 with To Pimp A Butterfly. The album moved another 123k units (SPS,) with 107,000 of that number being physical sales. Elsewhere on the chart, Action Bronson debuted at number 7 with Mr. Wonderful, moving 49,000 units in its first week out. Congrats! Get the full top 10 list on the Billboard 200 below.
Billboard’s Top 10 Album Sales, Week Ending 3/22/15 … Congrats To Kendrick Lamar On A #1 Debut!
There is definitely no sophomore jinx for Kendrick Lamar! The arrival of his second album To Pimp A Butterfly has him perched atop the Billboard 200 for the very first time with a whopping 363k units sold, after his first album, 2012’s good kid, m.A.A.d city, debuted and peaked at number 2, selling 241,000 copies. This number includes SPS (sales plus streaming,) but traditional sales comprise 89% of its overall unit total at 324k. The album was only announced on March 6, then had a surprise release a week early, so once again, this new “surprise” formula proves successful! Check out the full top 10 below.
Billboard’s Top 10 Album Sales, Week Ending 3/15/15 … Empire Soundtrack Debuts At #1!
FOX has a huge hit on their hands with the new show Empire, and its soundtrack is proving to be equally as successful! Just released last week, the Empire soundtrack tops the Billboard 200 today with 130,000 units sold. It’s the first TV soundtrack to debut at number 1 since 2010, when three different Glee albums arrived atop the list. The Empire soundtrack features contributions from the newbies in their cast such as everyone’s fav Jussie Smollett, as well as established artists among the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Rita Ora, Juicy J and Courtney Love (all of which have acted on the show.) Coming in behind the Empire soundtrack is Madonna with her new album Rebel Heart at number 2, while both Drake and Big Sean remain in the top 10 this week as well. Check out the full list below!
