T.I. Trumps Kanye West On The Billboard 200

While a slew of new hip-hop releases invaded the Billboard 200 charts last week, the top 40 is back to the usual suspects this go-round, except many key players have played musical chairs, literally.

In a change of events T.I. and Kanye West changed places this week. The Atlanta rap giant trumped Chicago’s finest this go-round landing at the no. 10 spot. The Paper Trail, Tip’s sixth studio album, sold 23,580 copies this sales cycle, bringing his total to 1,772,720 discs according to the Nielsen SoundScan. Ye was right behind the Grand Hustle leader, at no. 11. 808s and Heartbreak moved an additional 22,500 records this week, making his overall tally stand at 1,408,490.

Sixteen spots down is Akon’s Freedom album at the no. 27 spot. Fans picked up 14,850 records this week, making the singer’s complete sales figures read at 540,550. Lil Wayne climbed five slots this week on the charts to the no. 31 position. Weezy’s Grammy Award winning CD Tha Carter III sold 13,860 units this week, bringing his total to 3,058,570.

Next week look for The-Dream’s Love Vs, Money to debut high on the charts. – Elan Mancini