Rapper Travis Scott hasn’t just claimed another No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this week, he’s landed one of the biggest debuts of 2018. His new album Astroworld begins its time on the all-encompassing chart at the top with over half a million equivalent units shifted, which gives him the second-largest start this year (after just Drake). Behind him, two other new records from some of the most popular names in hip-hop make it into the top 10 in the first week of availability, proving them to be immediate successes.
Down to the runner-up position for the first time since it was released is Drake’s Scorpion, which is still performing very well for an album that has been out over a month now. The full-length started at No. 1 and held there for five weeks in a row, and since it is still moving over 100,000 units a week, it may rise to the peak again in the coming weeks.
The second-highest debut comes from hip-hop musician Mac Miller, who is back with his new album Swimming. Miller’s fifth proper record is also his fifth to start inside the top 10, and he still hasn’t yet seen a new release begin lower than No. 5. Swimming opens with just 66,000 equivalent units (of which 30,000 are pure sales), despite the fact that none of the three singles released have made it onto the Hot 100.
Another former leader, Post Malone’s Beerbongs & Bentleys, is down to No. 4 this time around.
The third and final new entrant inside the top 10 this frame comes from, once again, a hip-hop artist with a sizable fan base. Rapper YG sends his third album Stay Dangerous right to No. 5 upon arrival, granting him another placement inside the highest tier on the Billboard 200. The record is his third top 10, and his second-highest charting. Stay Dangerous kicks off with 56,000 equivalent units, thanks in part to the success of the single “Big Bank,” which features 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj and Big Sean, and which has thus far risen as high as No. 25.
The second half of the top 10 this week is comprised of holdovers. Juice WRLD’s Goodbye & Good Riddance slips to No. 6, followed by Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy at No. 7, XXXTentacion’s ? at No. 8, while two very popular soundtracks—Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and the Greatest Showman—round out the area at Nos. 9 and 10, respectively.
