Ludacris Beats Janet for Number One Spot

Ludacris’ Release Therapy debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 309,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The DTP/Def Jam effort is the rapper’s third chart-topper, following 2003’s Chicken ‘N Beer and 2004’s Red Light District. It is also his sixth No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums tally.

Janet Jackson’s 20 Y.O. entered at No. 2 with 296,000, Jackson’s eighth straight top three debut. However, it’s her smallest debut sales week since The Velvet Rope started at No. 1 with 202,000 in 1997. It’s also less than 2004’s Damita Jo which sold 381,000 in its first week and was considered a dissapointment as it failed to live up to Janet’s previous albums. Janet had a more successful single this time with “Call On Me” and was on the cover of numerous magazines. Did the lack of support from MTV hurt her? Looks like it.