Kanye West [FOX]
While monstrous weekly streaming was sure to land Kanye West’s “The Life Of Pablo” near the top of the chart, the indication earlier this week was that Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” would safely claim #1 on the Billboard 200.
Based on new data, it appears observers should not assume West is out of the race for #1.
Hits Daily Double says that “TLOP,” which was made available to the full gamut of streaming services this week, is now on pace for about 100 million streams. Such a total would amount to 66.7K SEA units.
That figure alone would put “TLOP” just below the projected range for Stapleton’s album, which is expected to do 73-78,000 in weekly consumption (pure album sales + TEA [track sales/10] + SEA [track streams/1500].
“TLOP” is exclusively available for purchase on Kanye West’s website; as sales data for that channel is presently under wraps, it is unclear what contribution it will make to the album’s weekly consumption total. But if the album is available to post a sales figure of 6-10,000 (and that sales figure is certified and reported to Billboard), it would clearly be in contention for #1.
— Pacing for what HDD projects as 60-65,000 in pure sales, “Traveller” will easily claim #1 on Top Album Sales.