As projected, Justin Timberlake shattered the charts (and some sales expectations) with 20/20 Experience. The album sold nearly a million records in its first week, the highest achievement on the charts so far in 2013. What’s more, with reports that a sequel could be released by Thanksgiving, Justin may need a few tuxedos to go with his “Suit & Tie.”
On the Rap side of things, Canadian veterans Swollen Members also shook things up with the first new Hip Hop album to crack the charts in three weeks.
Justin Timberlake Has 20/20 Chart Experiences
Pop/R&B maintay Justin Timberlake and musical partner Timbaland did it again—six and a half years later. Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience is a critically-heralded album met with strong commercial reaction, moving just under 970,000 first-week units for RCA Records, a division of Justin’s longtime Sony home.
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The HipHopDX review touted, “The 20/20 Experience should have a bite as equal as its bark. It doesn’t; but it’s still damn good.” The album features nine of the 10 original tracks going over five minutes, with dynamic vocals and production. In addition to Timbaland’s involvement throughout, JT enlisted Jay-Z on the album’s “Suit & Tie” single.
Swollen Members Drive A Beautiful Death Machine To The Charts
Veteran Vancouver, British Columbia trio Swollen Members delivered their tenth album to the masses last week. The Suburban Noize Records flagships of Madchild, Prevail and Rob The Viking sold nearly 3,000 first-week units of Beautiful Death Machine. This is the follow-up to 1997, released two years ago by the Juno Award winners.
The album features appearances by Army Of The Pharaohs/Demigodz’ Apathy, Esoteric and Celph Titled (“Colossal Beats”). Also featured are Heavy Metal Kingz’ Vinny Paz and Ill Bill, joined by La Coka Nostra’s Slaine (“Death To You”). In addition to a bulk of Rob The Viking production, C-Lane contributed extensively to the musical direction of the album.
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Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 3/24/2013
#1. Justin Timberlake – 20/20 Experience – 968,000 (969,000)
#14. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist– 24,000 (496,000)
#25. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city – 14,000 (808,000)
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#48. A$AP Rocky – Long.Live.A$AP – 8,600 (303,000)
#66. T.I. – Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head – 6,600 (435,000)
#70. 2 Chainz – Based On A T.R.U. Story – 5,800 (576,000)
#85. Wiz Khalifa – O.N.I.F.C.– 4,500 (352,000)
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#102. Chief Keef – Finally Rich – 3,800 (152,000)
#137. Swollen Members – Beautiful Death Machine – 2,900 (3,000)
#195. MGK – Lace Up – 2,300 (161,000)
* data comes from Nielsen Soundscan, rounded to nearest thousandth 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.
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How will Lil Wayne’s I Am Not A Human Being IIfare on the charts? Check back on HipHopDX.
