DMX MARKS THE SPOT ON TOP

How do we best carry on in the wake of tragedy while remaining on guard for unknown threats? Tensions are running high and an uneasy nation ponders its fate: Will the fourth quarter produce monstrous, super-star releases with sales as gigantic as hoped for?

Well, this week did its job as Def Jam/IDJ rapper DMX chalked up yet another #1 debut for the label with 500k-plus in sales. The great debut of Great Depression gives IDJ four records in the Top 12, with Murder Inc./IDJ's Ja Rule Roadrunner/IDJ's Nickelback and Roc-A-Fella/IDJ's Jay-Z at #6, #7 and #12, respectively.

Further proof that America continues to be America comes with the #2 debut of Epic's Incubus with their Morning View album as well as a #5 bow for the new live CD from RCA's Dave Matthews Band. The Top Five is rounded out by Reprise's Enya at #3 and Columbia's God Bless America at #4. God Bless America indeed.

Here's great American Jeff Davidson of HMV, proclaiming that the business of America is business, and business is good, so America is good. "DMX, Incubus and Dave Matthews all had great setups. We expect all three to sell well through the holidays. That's what the holidays are all about—other than peace on earth and good will toward men, that is."

Next week's chart will be radically different, thanks to a strong field of debuts from Michael Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Lenny Kravitz and Enrique Iglesias, all of which should bow in the Top 10. Early reports from retail are that Jacko is selling very strongly and could very well end up at #1, besting the Boys.