Boogie Wit Da Hoodie‘s capture of the #1 spot on this week’s Billboard 200 has sparked serious debates around the accuracy of streaming being the most reflective proof of an artist’s popularity. Controversial since news of its inclusion in Billboard and RIAA tallies for placements and certifications respectively, that contention was reignited once music lovers learned that Hoodie’s sophomore album – ‘Hoodie SZN’ – nabbed the albums’ chart summit with merely 823 copies sold, a record low.
The 20-song Hoodie SZN has been largely powered by streaming activity since its debut on the chart. In its premiere week, it sold just 6,000 copies, while in its second and third weeks, sold a mere 1,000 in each frame. On the new Billboard 200, of Hoodie SZN’s 58,000 total units, 56,000 come from SEA units (equaling 83 million on-demand audio streams for the album’s 20 songs), 1,000 from TEA units and [nearly] 1,000 from album sales.
The previous consumption-era low was registered just a week ago, when 21 Savage’s streaming-powered ‘I Am > I Was’ sold 3,000 copies (of its total 65,000 units).
Sign of the times or just a slow start to the year? The debate rages on. But, what can’t be debated is who joins Hoodie in the top 25 this week on the Billboard 200. Look inside to see the latest edition of ‘TGJ’s Chart Check’:
Billboard 200 This Week
[Photo credit: Getty Images]