This week, rappers were left out of the Top 10 in Billboard’s Top 200 album charts. However, singers Ariana Grande, John Legend and Jaheim took top slots with Yours Truly, Love in the Future and Appreciation Day respectively.
Last week’s releases from Big Sean (Hall of Fame) and Juicy J (Stay Trippy)didn’t hold strong in the Top 5. Juicy J fell 11 spots, landing at #15. His release sold approximately 22,000 copies this week. Meanwhile, Big Sean went from #2 to #24 selling approximately 18,000 units this week.
Jay Z, a mainstay on the charts with Magna Carta Holy Grail, remained in the Top 20 as he got closer to another milestone. Jay Z, who released Magna Carta Holy Grail on July 4, 2013, sold more than 20,000 copies this week, allowing it to rank at #18. The release is close to breaking the platinum marker in sales, which would make the album double-platinum because of Jay Z’s campaign with Samsung which allowed users to download Magna Carta for free. This also coincides with the announcement of Jay Z’s tour to promote the project. Currently the album has sold 957,000 according to Billboard’s Top 200 charts.
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Ariana Grande Hits Big With Yours Truly
Ariana Grande’s Yours Truly, which features appearances by Mac Miller and Big Sean, hit #1 on the charts this week. The album’s lead single, “The Way,” features two verses from Miller. The remix of “The Way” features Fabolous. With help from “The Way,” Yours Truly sold 138,000 units this week. The album also features the aforementioned guest spot from Big Sean as the Michigan rapper appears on “Right There.” Outside of guest spots from rappers, the singer’s affinity for Hip Hop has been on display with the release of her new album and her promotional appearances. Recently, Grande appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and sang a medley of Hip Hop songs in a Broadway manner. The songs she sang included cuts by Cypress Hill, Jay Z and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The medley can be seen below.
John Legend Gets Love For Love In The Future
In its first week, John Legend’s Love in the Future landed at #4 on the charts. The album, which boasts a guest appearance by Rick Ross on “Who Do We Think We Are,” also features Kanye West as an executive producer. Legend has collaborated with West on several songs, including “Number One,” “Spaceship,” “Jesus Walks” and “Never Let Me Down.” Recently, Legend spoke about his respect for Kanye West’s career.
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“I want Kanye-level success,” Legend said in an interview with Associated Press, as per Huffington Post. “I don’t think I’m craving any more fame. But success and being recognized for making great work all around the world, I think it’s a great thing. And I’m already not far from there. But Kanye has been a really singular artist that’s made a unique contribution to Pop culture, and I respect that and I wouldn’t mind being known for that as well.”
Jaheim’s Appreciation Day Breaks Into The Top 10
Jaheim made its way into the Top 10 this week with Appreciation Day, his latest effort, which was positioned at #6. “It’s been so long since I’ve had a chance to create music from my heart for the fans that have loved and supported me from the start,” Jaheim said in May 2013. “I decided to call the project Appreciation Day because that’s exactly what this album is…my show of appreciation to them.” Jaheim has collaborated with several rappers in the past, including Nelly on “My Place,” Jadakiss on “Every Time I Think About Her” and Styles P, who appeared on “Fiend.” The video for his single “Age Ain’t a Factor” features Vivica A. Fox, Lisa Ray, and Cynthia Bailey. The clip can be seen below.
Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/8/2013
#1. Ariana Grande – Yours Truly – 138,000 (138,000)
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#2. Tamar Braxton – Love & War – 115,000 (115,000)
#4. John Legend – Love in the Future – 68,000 (68,000)
#6. Jaheim – Appreciation Day – 58,000 (58,000)
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#15. Juicy J – Stay Trippy – 22,000 (86,000)
#18. Jay Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail – 20,000 (957,000)
#24. Big Sean – Hall of Fame – 18,000 (89,000)
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#27. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist– 16,000 (1,057,000)
#55. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d. city – 7,000 (1,027,000)
#87. A$AP Ferg – Trap Lord – 9,000 (46,000)
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#92. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris – 4,000 (62,000)
* data comes from Nielsen Soundscan, rounded to nearest thousand for units above 10,000, nearest hundredth for units below 10,000. Each week, HipHopDX presents top albums in Hip Hop/related, and five notables.
Will Janelle Monae’s The Electric Lady reach a Top 10 placement? Stay tuned to HipHopDX.
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