S. Samuel
Roc Nation rapper J. Cole's Cole World: The Sideline Story is reportedly en route to drop nearly 75 percent in its second week album sales.
Although Cole’s debut will not repeat atop the chart, his LP is expected to rank in the Top 5.
American Idol returns to the top of the chart next week as Scotty McCreery delivers the first debut by a winner to land at #1 since Ruben Studdard in 2003. Adele logs another week in the Top 3, bringing her total to 32 weeks. In 33 total weeks of release, 21 has only been out of the Top 3 for one week. Here’s how it looks headed into the weekend: *Scotty McCreery (Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope) 170-190k Adele (XL/Columbia) 110-120k Tony Bennett (Columbia) 70-75k Lady Antebellum (Capitol Nashville/EMI) 60-65k J Cole (Roc Nation/Columbia) 55-60k Lil Wayne (Cash Money/Universal Republic) 55-60k (HITS Weakend Chart Preview)
After selling nearly 220,000 copies his opening week, Cole received props from Roc nation head honcho Jay-Z and his manager.
“J. Cole’s success is testament to amazing artist development and Cole’s hard work,” Jay-Z said, via press release. “I want to congratulate him on a #1 album and more importantly a greatbody of work.” Cole’s first solo album, which he’s been meticulously working on for the past five years, has sold 218,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. “Cole World: the Sideline Story” marks the first time a solo act’s debut effort has entered at No. 1 since May 14, 2010. Mark Pitts, President of Urban Music, Sony / JIVE Records and CEO, Bystorm Entertainment and Cole’s manager, lent praise as well, “J Cole personifies humility and grace with edge and depth. As an MC, his point of view speaks to and represents me. I’m proud and blessed to be a part of his journey!” (Billboard)
Prior to Wednesday’s finalized sales, Cole shared his reaction to the pre-determined album’s success a day before.
“So many people to stunt on, fighting the urge to be spiteful. This moment is too important for that. Just want to say THANK YOU,” he tweeted October 4th.
“Thanks to yall, we shook the game up. No chart topping single, just 2 years of hard work, great music and real ass fans. #1 album”
“Thanks to every fan that held me down, every friend, every blog, magazine, tv, radio station, dj’s and pd’s, I feel like we ALL won” (J. Cole’s Twitter)
Debuting atop the chart, Cole’s long-awaited release sold just over 217,000 copies its opening week.
Leading the pack this week is J. Cole’s Cole World: The Sideline Story debuting at No. 1. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the North Carolina rap newcomer’s long-awaited debut album has sold 217,300 copies after seven days in stores. (SOHH Sales Wrap)
Check out a recent J. Cole interview below:
