Rap rules the chart this week as Eminem, Drake, and Big Boi claim the top three spots.
Eminem’s latest album Recovery breezes into the No. 1 position, selling an additional 229,000 copies in its third week on the Billboard 200, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The last album to hold the top spot for three consecutive weeks was Sade’s Soldier of Love in March. Recovery has sold nearly 1.3 million copies to date in the U.S.
Drake reclaims the runner-up position as Thank Me Later lands at No. 2 for a third week, moving 74,000 units and nearing the 800,000 total sales mark.
Big Boi’s first album without André 3000, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, completes the trifecta of rappers by debuting at No. 3 with 62,000. The OutKast member’s solo debut was well-received by critics.
Another debut this week, Kelis’ dance album Flesh Tone, comes in at No. 48 with a paltry 8,000 copies.