Billboard 200: Migos Take ‘Culture’ to No. 1

Following a Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) shout out and a no. 1 hit single (“Bad and Boujee”), Migos take ‘Culture’ to no. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Migos take top honors on the current edition of the Billboard 200. The rap trio, comprised of Offset, Quavo, and Takeoff earn their first no. 1 album with Culture.  Culture became a highly anticipated project thanks to no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single, “Bad and Boujee.” Considering the lackadaisical sales of January 2017, the 131,000 units moved by Migos is impressive.  Too bad that only about 34% of that total were pure sales! That’s roughly 44,000 copies, closer in line with the numbers of other January 2017 albums.

Migos’ triumph means that rugged country standout Brantley Gilbert was forced to be the bridesmaid.  The Devil Don’t Sleep moved a respectable 77,000 units.  Naturally, Gilbert performed much better than Migos in pure sales.  Of his 77,000 units, nearly 86% were sales.  In other words, if the Billboard 200 was configured the way it was previously before accounting for streaming and tracks, Gilbert would’ve earned his first no. 1 album.  Bummer!

Migos and Brantley Gilbert weren’t the only newbies.  Kehlani gave R&B a much-needed lift, as SweetSexySavage debuts at no. 3.  The numbers aren’t exceptional, but 58,000 units aren’t too shabby either.  While streams played a large role once more, Kehlani did manage to sell 55% of that total.  Now 61 also gets into the act, landing at no. 5 with 37,000 units.  According to Billboard, those “units” are legit sales. Individual tracks are unavailable on Now 61. Train earns the final top-10 debut with A Girl a Bottle a Boat.  The LP lands at no. 8 with 30,000 units (~ 77% pure sales).

With five newcomers, that leaves five holdovers.  The names won’t shock anybody.  The highest holdover comes by way of The Weeknd (Starboy), who slipped from no. 1 to no. 4.  Following the no. 5 bow of Now 61, La La Land, Bruno Mars (24K Magic), Post Malone (Stoney), and Moana finish things off.  Again, nothing shocking in the least.

Who’s got next on the Billboard 200? Big Sean (I Decided.) should have some success.  Also, Reba McEntire (Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope) should get some Billboard 200 love.  Big Sean’s previous album, Dark Sky Paradise, debuted at no. 1 with 173,000 units.  As for Reba, her last proper studio album, Love Somebody, debuted at no. 3 moving 62,000 units.  Reba’s last no. 1 album came by way of 2009 LP Keep on Loving You, which sold 96,000 copies.

Photo Credit: 300 Entertainment, Valory, Atlantic, Def Jam