Billboard: DJ Khaled Dethrones Drake for No. 1

DJ Khaled halts Drake’s historic run with ‘Views.’ ‘Major Key’ gives DJ Khaled his first no. 1 on the Billboard 200.

After spending 12 nonconsecutive weeks at no. 1, Drake (Views) has been dethroned for the second time.  Who dethrones Drake comes as a huge surprise: DJ Khaled.  For the first time in his career, DJ Khaled earns a no. 1 album with latest effort, Major Key.  Major Key had an elevated profile compared to previous projects, thanks to hit single “For Free” featuring Drake.

DJ Khaled’s sales-plus-streaming numbers are respectable. Major Key moved 95,000 units. Less enthusiastic are the pure sales, which comprise of ~62% of the total.  While Major Key is Khaled’s first no. 1, according to Keith Caulfield and Billboard, he’s had a better selling week.  Still, Major Key’s chart performance is a triumph for DJ K.

Beyond DJ Khaled’s career breakthrough, a couple more newbies join the top-10 glory. Jake Owen lands at no. 4 with American Love.  The love isn’t that great for Owen, who moves 35,000 units (~83% pure sales).

Fantasia doesn’t electrify the pop charts either, as The Definition of… debuts at no. 6, moving just 32,000 units (~91% pure sales).  Hillary Scott & The Scott Family squeeze in at no. 7 with Love Remains, to the tune of 31,000 units (~90% pure sales).  Neither of the three electrified the Billboard 200.

Beyond DJ Khaled, Drake, Jake Owen, Fantasia, and Hillary Scott, the top 10 is familiar for the most part.  Twenty One Pilots (Blurryface), Rihanna (Anti), and Adele (25) have made the top 10 their home. Hamilton has been “on fire” as of late.   Beyoncé (Lemonade) slips out of the top 10 for the first time, while Blake Shelton (If I’m Honest) re-enters.

Who’s Got Next?  

DJ Khaled likely won’t stay no. 1 beyond this week, Major Key or not! Will Drake make it 13 weeks at no. 1? Not impossible, but his reign may have FINALLY been halted. Suicide Squad: The Album is “kind of a big deal.” Unless it shocks the world and underperforms, the soundtrack has a strong shot at succeeding Major Key in the penthouse.  There is simply little competition beyond Views to stop it.

Photo Credit: Epic