The numbers are finally in, and after the most exciting build-up in recent rap memory, Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne debuted at the #1 spot on the Billboard albums chart this week, selling 436,000 copies. With Lil Wayne's much-anticipated Tha Carter
IV dropping in less than two weeks, we here at RapFix wonder how many units Weezy can sling in his first week. Can the Young Money CEO best the Throne's debut sales number?
Comparing the two projects, however, is no easy feat. When placed side-by-side WTT and Tha Carter IV couldn't look more different. Jay and 'Ye's roll-out was unconventional as far as rap albums go. There was no big radio single or video that led up to the album and the Throne's exclusive digital drop prevented the CD from being in physical stores for a full four days. Wayne on the other hand, will be releasing digitally and physically simultaneously and he is currently ruling the airwaves.
This week Wayne's acoutsic crossover single "How to Love" holds the #6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 song chart and his previous C4 singles, "John" and "6 Foot 7 Foot," have faired well on radio.
For the Watch the Throne roll-out, airplay wasn't much of a focus. Instead, Jay stated in multiple interviews that he'd rather the fans digest the album as a whole upon its release. Just as intended, WTT avoided a leak and fans heard the album as Kanye and Hov had planned. Weezy's LP on the other had will most likely leak as all albums do once it goes to the printing plant and that will no doubt affect sales figures.
As far as radio goes, Watch the Throne hasn't produced blockbuster singles yet, but now that it is released, sky is the limit. The album's first drop "H.A.M." peaked at #23 on the Billboard charts, still respectable but not quite as impactful as hoped. The Throne's second drop, "Otis," was released with plenty of fanfare behind it, peaking thus far at #12 on Billboard's Top 100 chart. A third single, "Lift Off," which features vocals from Jay-Z's wife, Beyoncé, is said to be going for radio adds soon.
Watch the Throne and its epic buzz continue to defy critics and thrill fans, and there is no doubt that the album achieved many of its goals in regard to gaining attention of the industry. For the upcoming and already sold-out tour, –ticket demand was so high that dates needed to be added in support of the album beginning this fall. And Kanye West and Jay-Z could see a spike in sales and interest as they continue to work the album throughout the remainder of the year.
In 2008, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III album sold over a million copies in its first week. With his dominating radio presence and smash hits, Wayne repeating the feat in 2011 with Tha Carter IV could be a possibility, though unlikely. Watch the Throne only comes second to Lady Gaga's first week sales; the singer sold over 1 million copies of her album Born This Way. Can Wayne beat the 436K mark? Whatever the outcome, fans can be certain these two powerhouse albums will no doubt duke it out for top honors for the duration of the fourth quarter.
IV dropping in less than two weeks, we here at RapFix wonder how many units Weezy can sling in his first week. Can the Young Money CEO best the Throne's debut sales number?
Comparing the two projects, however, is no easy feat. When placed side-by-side WTT and Tha Carter IV couldn't look more different. Jay and 'Ye's roll-out was unconventional as far as rap albums go. There was no big radio single or video that led up to the album and the Throne's exclusive digital drop prevented the CD from being in physical stores for a full four days. Wayne on the other hand, will be releasing digitally and physically simultaneously and he is currently ruling the airwaves.
This week Wayne's acoutsic crossover single "How to Love" holds the #6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 song chart and his previous C4 singles, "John" and "6 Foot 7 Foot," have faired well on radio.
For the Watch the Throne roll-out, airplay wasn't much of a focus. Instead, Jay stated in multiple interviews that he'd rather the fans digest the album as a whole upon its release. Just as intended, WTT avoided a leak and fans heard the album as Kanye and Hov had planned. Weezy's LP on the other had will most likely leak as all albums do once it goes to the printing plant and that will no doubt affect sales figures.
As far as radio goes, Watch the Throne hasn't produced blockbuster singles yet, but now that it is released, sky is the limit. The album's first drop "H.A.M." peaked at #23 on the Billboard charts, still respectable but not quite as impactful as hoped. The Throne's second drop, "Otis," was released with plenty of fanfare behind it, peaking thus far at #12 on Billboard's Top 100 chart. A third single, "Lift Off," which features vocals from Jay-Z's wife, Beyoncé, is said to be going for radio adds soon.
Watch the Throne and its epic buzz continue to defy critics and thrill fans, and there is no doubt that the album achieved many of its goals in regard to gaining attention of the industry. For the upcoming and already sold-out tour, –ticket demand was so high that dates needed to be added in support of the album beginning this fall. And Kanye West and Jay-Z could see a spike in sales and interest as they continue to work the album throughout the remainder of the year.
In 2008, Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III album sold over a million copies in its first week. With his dominating radio presence and smash hits, Wayne repeating the feat in 2011 with Tha Carter IV could be a possibility, though unlikely. Watch the Throne only comes second to Lady Gaga's first week sales; the singer sold over 1 million copies of her album Born This Way. Can Wayne beat the 436K mark? Whatever the outcome, fans can be certain these two powerhouse albums will no doubt duke it out for top honors for the duration of the fourth quarter.
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Will Tha Carter IV Trump Watch The Throne In Sales?
And i personally just want to say that i feel Wayne will do 1mill first week if it doesnt leak,, i feel like Weezy has a strong fan base that will buy his album in the worst of times or the best cuzz he has such a strong impact on us that we feel obligated to buy for most of us cuz he gives us soo much free music the least we can do for our favorite rapper is go buy this Carter album and hope for the best,,btw im just stating my opinion haha
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