Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/14/08

Taylor Swift's Fearless beat us Britney Spears' Circus this week, shifting positions from this week and last. Beyonce had almost an identical two weeks with her I Am...Sasha Fierce, remaining at #3. Kanye West followed closely with 808's & Heartbreak at #4 yet again.
Philadelphia R&B sensation Musiq Soulchild debuted at #11 with his fifth album On My Radio. The release comes after last year's release Luvanmusiq debuted at #1. Shortly behind came Common at #12 with Universal Mind Control. Despite some formidable company, the release was Common's lowest first week since Electric Circus.
Brandy also made a strong comeback with her Human on Epic Records.

Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
3
Beyonce
I Am...Sasha Fierce
159,173
1,052,543

6
Kanye West
808's & Heartbreak
126,827
719,900

11
Musiq Soulchild
On My Radio
91,498
91,923

12
Common
Universal Mind Control
81,663
82,587

15
Brandy
Human
72,772
72,885


Ludacris fell nine spots with his Theater of The Mind at #24. T.I. held down the #30 spot with Paper Trail. Lil Wayne still kept himself over the Top 50 divider. Tha Carter III trudges towards three million sold in the States.

Meanwhile, Scarface fell over 50 spots with his reported parting-shot from rap Emeritus. The Game held his LAX at #128.

Q-Tip and The Renaissance remains a presence on the charts with a tour in progress, and slews of critical accolades.

Other Notables

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
24
Ludacris
Theater Of The Mind
53,078

332,499

47
Lil Wayne
Tha Carter III
28,838
2,778,785

82
Scarface
Emeritus
15,221
57,435
128
The Game
L.A.X.
9,135
608,765

175
Q-Tip
The Renaissance
6,066
79,699


Is Soulja Boy gonna crank the charts again?