Hope for Haiti Now Album Makes History Atop the Charts

Hope for Haiti Now, the digital-only album compiled by MTV as a way to raise money for the earthquake stricken nation, has just made history. The disc, which features songs by Jay-Z, Wyclef and Beyonce, among others has debuted at the No. 1 position on the The Billboard 200, making it the first digital only release to top the charts.

The compilation, which was only made available over the weekend, following MTV’s star-studded Haitian relief telethon, was downloaded over 171,000 times, according to Nielsen SoundScan. As XXLMag.com previously reported, all proceeds earned from the digital CD will go to the Hope for Haiti Now charities.

Up one spot from last week at no. 10, is the Black Eyed Peas. The group’s latest album, The E.N.D., continues to keep registers ringing in their 33rd week, moving 34,600 units. In total the Peas have a complete tally of 1,889,700 CDs sold.

Young Money slid five spots down to no. 23 this week with their debut effort We Are Young Money. Fans of Lil Wayne and his protégés picked up 18,700 copies of the CD this go-round, making the group’s overall sales stand at 251,100 after five weeks.

Eminem landed at the No. 30 slot this week with 14,600 units sold. After 36 weeks, fans have copped over 1,791,000 copies of Relapse.

Right below Shady at No. 31 is Jay-Z. The Blueprint 3 racked up an additional 14,600 in sales this sales cycle, bringing his 20 week total to 1,563,400.

Rounding out the Top 40 is Gucci Mane who moved one spot down to No. 38 this week. The State Vs. Radric Davis managed to scan 11,100 units in week 7, putting his overall stats to 225,700.

Next week look for many artists to get a sales bump due to the hype surronding the Grammy Awards, airing this Sunday, January 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. —Max G