Billboard 200: Future Takes ‘HNDRXX’ to No. 1

Future pulls off a historic feat as ‘HNDRXX’ earns no. 1 on the Billboard 200, replacing his self-titled no. 1 album.  

Last week, Future took Future to no. 1.  This week, he takes HNDRXX to no. 1.  It’s safe to say, Future is doing big things in 2017, scoring two separate no. 1 albums in consecutive weeks.  According to Billboard, the rapper’s back-to-back no. 1 albums is “kind of a big deal.” He’s a beast people – an autotune-loving, mumbling beast.  HNDRXX couldn’t put up the 140,000 units that Future did, but it did muster up 121,000 units.  As gaudy as those numbers are, a more modest percentage – nearly 40% – were pure sales.  How did Future fare this week? It slips from no. 1 to no. 2.  Future is a baller!

While Future is the talk of the Billboard 200, there is more action beyond his two top-three albums.  In regards to newbies, Little Big Town starts at no. 4 with The Breaker. The numbers are okay, but considering the success of their previous album, the 51,000 units (~86% pure sales) is somewhat disappointing.

Country singer Aaron Watson earns the only other top 10 debut with Vaquero, which starts at no. 10 with 39,000 units (~95% pure sales).  Watson isn’t a household name, but he’s been around “for a minute.” By minute, he’s nearing 40, with his first official album, A Texas Café, arriving in 2001.  Give Mr. Watson some credit for earning much-deserved notoriety after a lengthy, if underrated career.

Beyond Future, Little Big Town, and Aaron Watson, the remainder of the top 10 is predictable.  Bruno Mars continues to impact with his slick 24K Magic.  Bruno doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Migos (Culture), The Weeknd (Starboy), and Big Sean add to a hip-hop dominated top-10, while Trolls and Moana represent the soundtracks.

Who’s got next?

Who’s got next on the Billboard 200 next week? Ed Sheeran will take over with ÷, without question.  Khalid should get some love for his debut American Teen, but the week will undoubtedly belong to Sheeran.  With a hit the caliber of “Shape of You” on his side, Sheeran has no. 1 on the Billboard 200 “signed, sealed, and delivered.”

Photo Credits: Epic, Capitol, Atlantic