HNHH continues to tackle the issue of sales in the hip-hop world. This week we had two new-comers top the charts, as well as an old head make an appearance. While Macklemore & Ryan Lewis perform the best this week, it's becoming more and more obvious that major labels may slowly be heading the way of the tall T, as independent labels manage to do it just as big. Not for nothing though, major labels do have an advantage when it comes to reach. With that being said, MGK and Jay-Z, both backed by major labels, moved way less copies than the independent project put out by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Are moving albums a matter of the artist's grind, or a label issue? Still, this makes us wonder how much longer artists will be vying for a spot on with the majors. What do you think? Will independent labels soon be the way to go or will major labels always have an edge?
1) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- The Heist: Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis' joint album, with the Seattle native on rapping and Lewis on production, did impressive numbers in its first week on the shelves. The LP moved 74,530 copies, landing at #2 on the Billboard 200 Chart, only surpassed by Mumford & Sons. The Heist was released via an independent label without major label backing, so grabbing the #2 spot is a feat in and of itself.
2) Machine Gun Kelly- Lace Up: The Bad Boy rapper's debut album, titled after his movement, “Lace Up,” didn't move quite as many copies as its competitor The Heist, but isn't too far down the list. Landing at #4 on the Billboard 200, Lace Up sold 50,004 copies in it's first week out.
3) Jay-Z- Live In Brooklyn EP: This release came as a surprise to many, but was received with open arms nonetheless. It came shortly after Hov wrapped up his eight nights at the Barclays Center. The audio/visual EP which dropped October 11th debuted at #35 and moved 11,315 copies in opening week.
4) Miguel- Kaleidoscope Dreams: Miguel's sophomore album, which has been in stores since October 2nd, continues to sell copies after debuting at #3 on the Charts. After moving 68, 971 units in the first week, Miguel now sits at #11, having moved 29,417 copies in the past week, seeing a drop of 57%.
5) DJ Drama- Quality Street Music: Quality Street Music fell short opening week, and although it continues to sell, it's saw a signficant drop from #21 to #50, with only 8,113 units sold this week.
6) G.O.O.D. Music- Cruel Summer: G.O.O.D. Music's very first compilation album wasn't too well-received by critics, but fans are still copping the LP. Cruel Summer managed to move another 17,771 copies this week, sitting at #21.
We have to wonder when 2 Chainz ever has the time to sleep, as he's always grinding and continues to move copies of Based On A T.R.U. Story. Although it's only normal that his numbers are decreasing week by week, he still ranks at #31 this week, with 13k sold. Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II is also still on the charts, below 2 Chainz with 9,483 units this week. Veteran rapper Xzibit may find his old-school ways aren't selling to the young kids of today, as his album Napalm only managed to move 3,200 pieces charting just barely at #149. We've got a major release coming up next week, with Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city officially dropping October 22nd, so check back for those numbers on the next Charts Don't Lie.
