@ Musictologist

Ashanti's new lead single for 'The Declaration' "The Way That I Love You," peaked at number 2 on the Hip Hop/R&B Billboard charts.

Also: THE SINGLE wasn't released in the summer time, it was released in January/February-WINTER! THE ALBUM was released in June, summertime, and the followup single "Good Good" was released in like July-summer.

Although I see how you really thought out about everything you read, I have to disagree with some points/factors.

#1 Jennifer Lopez BEGAN as a Pop artist. You could maybe even say a Latin Pop artist if you wanted. Remember early hits like "Waiting For Tonight," and "Play" off her 1st and 2nd albums = POP music.
Did she eventually sway bit more Urban, yes, but that only happened years deep into her music career, when she began to remix her singles with Murder Inc/Ja Rule in 2001/2002. And ever since after Jennifer has sort of been the Queen of the (Male Assisted Remix)Tracks. Those featured artists were generally Hip Hop because they complemented her sound/style so well.

#2 I am the BIGGEST Ashanti fan, but her album on this this, sold 89,000 in its opening week (2008). Jennifer Lopez sold 83,000 opening week in 2011. So unless you are comparing along with how music sales have declined over the years, they both practically sold the same amount of albums first week. OH ALSO Keri sold 91,000 first week of her debut album which made this list in 2009. So those albums DID not outsell Lopez by much first week wise, even though as you mention Ashanti and Keri did not abandon their Urban audiences while JLo did.

WITH THAT ALL ASIDE, I really did enjoy reading your post/thoughts. Considered blogging? Interesting read!