Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/20/2011

by Allen Jacobs

Drake sells over half a million first-week records, while Childish Gambino and Webbie smash the charts with Top 20 debuts.

For the second week in a row, a Hip Hop album debuted at #1. As reported, Toronto acting sensation-turned-emcee/singer double-threat Drake scored the top of the charts with his sophomore studio album, Take Care. Drake was not alone though, as another actor-turned-emcee, Childish Gambino (a/k/a Donald Glover) nearly grabbed a Top 10 with his independent release.

Drake Takes Care Of The Charts

Cash Money/Young Money Records' platinum star sold over 630,000 first-week copies of his second studio album and third solo release overall. Take Care features the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Andre 3000 as well as label-mates Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Birdman. Production was handled by Drake's in-house team of Boi-1da, 40 and rising CMR star, as well as a contribution from Just Blaze.

Webbie Wipes Down With His Debut, Childish Gambino Acts A Fool

Childish Gambino's first studio album, Camp, sold over 50,000 first-week units. Gambino may be better known as actor/comedian Donald Glover, of NBC's Community. The 13-song release from his Rap alter-ego was put out by indie Glassnote Records, home to Phoenix and Mumford & Sons. Gambino is also a producer and deejay.
Trill Fam member Webbie's third solo album, Savage Life 3 also scored a Top 20 debut. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native began his career as a protege of late UGK co-founder Pimp C. Released through Trill Entertainment, Savage Life 3 features T.F. affiliates Lil Trill, Lil Phat and former DTP Records star Bobby V.