EM IN CHARGE…AGAIN

In a market that only the most optimistic can call "mediocre," the music industry’s only current superstar is putting up astronomical numbers again this week. It’s not only Aftermath/Interscope’s Eminem’s chart, it’s his world.

Besides the Em-man’s lock on #1, look for a Top Five debut for New Noize/DreamWorks’ Papa Roach, as well as solid bows for Columbia’s Our Lady Peace and Wyclef Jean, Universal’s Paulina Rubio, and Epic’s Anastacia.

And speaking of Arista, you know that nutty and rare second-week UPWARD sales trend experienced by Avril Lavigne last week? Looks like that could happen again this week. Can you say, "SMASH"…or have you forgotten? Just asking.

Next week, of course, Universal’s Nelly hits the chart and that means…well, that means it will be a whole lot different than this week’s chart. Will Em be dethroned? If yes, for how long?

And as long as we’re talking big albums, check out the growth on Blue Note’s Norah Jones, who is finally riding a wave of Adult radio airplay. After previously selling with hardly ANY spins, this one appears headed for a VERY long sales run. Imagine what’ll happen when Top 40 comes to the party?

And speaking of Top 40, where individual programmers mean as much as World Cup soccer players in America, the big winners this week will be Hollywood’s BBMak and Epic’s Shakira, whose third single is set to continue her momentum well into the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, R&B Crossovers Cam’ron (Roc-A-Fella/IDJ) and Mario (J Records) are having solid clean-up weeks at Top 40, as are Rock Crossovers Our Lady Peace (Columbia) and Hoobastank (Island/IDJ).

Once again, kids, here comes Nelly.