Its debut sales mark might not even match the one set by predecessor “Ambition,” but Wale’s “The Gifted” should still produce his first career number one.
Based on opening day sales, Billboard forecasts approximately 150,000 for the release, which should be enough to unseat Kanye West’s “Yeezus” and J. Cole’s runner-up “Born Sinner” from the top of the Billboard 200.
Though those two albums moved approximately 330,000 and 300,000 in their debut weeks, they will likely fall victim to the massive second week decline typical of hip-hop records.
Wale’s 2011 album “Ambition” moved 164,000 first-week units but, thanks to Justin Bieber’s “Under the Mistletoe,” missed out on a number one debut.
Skillet’s “Rise” (estimated sales of 50,000), India.Arie’s “SongVersation” (25,000) and August Burns Red’s “Rescue & Restore” (20,000) will also debut on next week’s Billboard 200.