Drake’s Views (YMCMB/Republic) has blown past Beyoncé’s record for first-week U.S. streams in its debut week. The album looks set to bow with around 850-860k album sales and as much as 1.1m SPS, and has already amassed more than 150m streams U.S., 175m worldwide. Bey previously shattered Justin Bieber's record by earning 115m first-week domestic streams. Drake's worldwide total streams (with all services) could be as high as 250m first week.
Apple’s exclusive on streaming will continue for another week. The 20-song album is currently “locked” for purchase on iTunes (consumers must buy the whole set), apart from two tracks, “One Dance” and “Hotline Bling” (both of which were available before Views dropped). The two tracks that can be purchased a la carte are also streamable on Spotify and other rival services. The track “Pop Style” is part of the locked album as a Drake-only version, but the prior single version with Jay Z and Kanye West (streamable everywhere) will be counted toward the total streams and sales as a “remix.” All the tracks can be streamed individually on Apple Music.
The album will unlock on Friday, at which time it will be for sale in download form via Amazon and other DSPs. Physical product also hits stores on Friday, with 300k+ U.S. and 500k+ worldwide said to be shipping.
NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
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