Rihanna may be getting ‘Loud’, but it seems no one is listening. At least, not enough.
The first week sales predictions are in for Ms. Fenty’s latest release…and it’s not looking particularly good for the model and her label.
Find out how much ‘Loud’ is set to debut with next week after the jump…
According to the ever-reliable Hits Daily Double, the LP will premiere on the Billboard 200 with sales to the tune of 180,000.
While arguably respectable numbers given the current sales climate, the figures will no doubt come as a blow to the Pop pretender’s label – who have once again pumped millions of marketing dollars into the project, only to yield back little in returns.
To add insult to injury, the sales are on course to be less than last year‘s ‘Rated R’ (which debuted with 190,000)
Speaking on the Angie Martinez show last night, the 22 year old appeared aware of the looming low numbers (and the flack she may receive for it), saying:
“Never have I ever stressed out on the first week. Ever since ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’, the first week was like 160[,000], and it grew to sell nine million albums. The first week never determines what the success of the album will be.”
Slow and steady may win the race, yet we’re in an era when you need to come flying out of the gate – and that Ms. Fenty is not. This, despite being at what should be her commercial peak, and of course the two chart smashes which preceded the album (‘Only Girl’ and ‘What’s My Name’).
What do you think is the disconnect between Rihanna and the record-buying public? Because it’s as clear as her lack of talent, that there is a serious problem. Did I just answer my own question. Damn…
Tidbit: Nelly’s ‘5.0’ is set to shift 60,000 first week.
Trent’s Sidebar:
This is Rihanna’s 5th album and she is yet to have a #1 ranking. Seriously? Didn’t she just get her 8th #1 single? Rihanna: the definition of a singles artist.