Pattern recognition: utilizing data to classify the present and better predict the future. For those of you following the charts week in and week out pattern recognition is a discipline worth employing. On an elementary level it reveals the fact that big names sell, female fans buy, and strong singles provide additional reach. However, an increasingly analytical approach reveals so much more. Marketing strategies, album release dates and track selections are opened up to greater understanding. One can see the puppet-strings and copy-cat tactics of musicians everywhere, as well as witness the predictability of it all. But be that as it may art still exists within this industry, and because of this fact knowing what is possible is never absolutely certain. As always this truth is the exception for the rules are far too many. Now let us commence with the number crunching:
1) Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream: The new kid on the block has accomplished what many as of late have failed to, (i.e. his sales figures have improved). His 2010 debut album (All I Want Is You) sold 11,000 copies in its first week, whereas Kaleidoscope Dream has opened with 68,971.
2) G.O.O.D. Music – Cruel Summer: Two weeks at number two is certainly something to brag about. 24,624 additional copies were sold in the past week, and both of its singles continue to perform well. Many may have been disappointed by this initial team offering, but more than enough are showing their appreciation.
3) DJ Drama – Quality Street Music: The platform builder definitely delivered on his aforementioned title, but he should’ve known the streets are interested in other investments. With 19,363 albums sold in its first week it’s questionable that he’ll crack six figures.
4) Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor II: Week one for Lupe was good, his core came out to show their support. However his second week stats suggest the trickle effect will be minimal for this effort, 17,778 being the number in the question.
5) 2 Chainz – Based On A T.R.U. Story: 8 straight weeks in the Top 5 means 2 Chainz is more than a fifteen minute trend. He sold 12,813 copies this past week suggesting that gold is just around the corner.
Rihanna is still rattling numerous eardrums with “Diamonds,” and Xzibit’s return to rap occurred this past Tuesday. For those that remember his pre-pimp-my-ride career they do so with a smile. Nevertheless no matter how excellent Napalm is it is unlikely to do exceptionally well. Hopes for six-figures of any type rest with the upcoming duo of debut albums: Meek Mill’s Dreams & Nightmares; and Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city.