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Maxwell hijacked the charts this week with his long-awaited comeback disc, BLACKsummers’night, the first album by the singer in eight years.

The Columbia Records artist almost managed to outsell the late King of Pop with a career high of 316,500 units sold in his first week, according to the Nielsen SoundScan. Although he didn’t quite beat out Michael Jackson, the Brooklyn-based crooner proved that the gloved one isn’t the only moving units in the recession.

While MJ can’t chart in the The Billboard 200 - since his albums are way past the 18 month cut off point—  he is still dominating The Top Albums chart. In the third SoundScan report since his death, three of his discs took over the top 5, all selling more than the previous week. At no. 1, suitably, is MJ’s Number Ones compilation pushing 348,500 units this week— up from last week’s 339,200 in stats. At no. 3 is Thriller which sold 263,800 in sales this week— up from last week’s 187,500— and at no. 4 is The Essential Michael Jackson which sold 147,800 copies— up from last week’s 125,400 tally.

Back to The Billboard 200, staying put at the no. 5 spot is the latest by the Black Eyed Peas. The E.N.D. managed to sell 62,600 units in their fifth week on the charts, making their grand total 672,400.

Also holding on to his position from last week is rap superstar Eminem. Fans copped 34,100 of Relapse this week, bringing the Detroit lyricist’s overall sales figures to 1,241,500.

Rounding out the top 40 is “Birthday Sex”singer Jeremih, who dropped from no. 6 to no. 15 this go-round. In his second week on the charts the Def Jam rookie's self-titled disc sold 28,500, making his total stats stand at 87,500.

Further down the charts are debuts from both rapper/producer The Alchemist and indie favorite Cage. Alc came in at no. 63 with his sophomore effort Chemical Warfare. The E1 release, which features a long list of heavyweights including both Em and Maxwell, as well as Jadakiss, Fabolous, KRS-One and Kool G Rap among others, managed to scan 6,9000 copies in its first week. Depart From Me, the second release for Cage on the Def Jux label landed in at no. 133, selling 3,700 units.

Next week look for Twista’s new album, Category F5 to impact the charts. –Elan Mancini

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