The Game’s latest enters the chart at #2, selling more than 238,000 copies; his previous efforts sold significantly better. His 2005 LP The Documentary entered the chart on top with 587,000 scans, while the 2006 follow-up, Doctor’s Advocate, sold more than 358,000 units, to open at #1. Rockers Slip Knot narrowly clinched the top spot selling through 240,000 copies of All Hope Is Gone.

A total of 23 new releases crack the top 200, with two others debuting in the top 10. The Now That’s What I Call Country compilation enters at #7 with 50,000 scans, and Solange Knowles’ Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams bows at #9 with 46,000 sold.

Granted tongues will no doubt be wagging about sales, comparisons and whatnot, I think both artists have performed well considering. Put simply music doesn’t sell the way it used to, so both debuts are respectable all the same.

Your thoughts?

Since her hospitalisation earlier this year – as well as her family being granted control of her estate – the 26-year-old is on the road to recovery and is “excited” to open the 2008 awards.

“MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs?” she told People magazine.

“I’m excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated.”

The singer has been nominated 16 times for an astronaut-shaped VMA but has never been successful.

However, she has another shot at glory this year with nominations in the best female video, best pop video and video of the year categories, all for her hit Piece of Me.

MTV Networks’ music president Van Toffler commented: “Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

“I can’t wait to see what she does to kick off this year’s show.”

I must say I’m glad she’s not performing. The time will be right when it is. Still, it’s good to see Britney getting herself out there. No doubt all eyes will be on her come Sunday’s show. {Source}

Your thoughts?

R&B star Ciara strips down (all the way down) in the October issue of VIBE magazine, which she features in to promote her new LP ‘Fantasy Ride’. Say what you want about it (and no doubt people will), but she looks g-o-o-d!