BIG TYME DEBUTS!!!

No doubt about the commercial clout of Cash Money’s Big Tymers this week, as the Universal-distributed rappers blew away the field with a solid #1 debut for Hood Rich.

"Big Tymers once again prove that established rap acts hold a loyal audience, much the same as name rock acts once did," said Kevin Jakiela of Galaxy Music Distributors. "Here at Galaxy, we're always excited to see a new release by Big Tymers. We've always done well with their product and know it's something our customers will be excited about as well." Incidentally, Tuesday, May 7, was officially the "Day of the Jakiela." Thank you.

Also making impressive Top Five bows are Roadrunner/Col/IDJ’s Spider-Man soundtrack at #4 and A&M/Interscope newcomer Vanessa Carlton at #5.

"Spider-Man reflects some of the heat stirred up from its record breaking box office with its biggest day sales-wise the Monday after its weekend premiere," said the Jak-man.

So, is Jak off? Hardly. Check out what he says about young Ms. Carlton: "Vanessa Carlton shows staying power by maintaining the public's interest after the record ran for weeks on MTV, creating an across-the-board curiosity factor." Hot damn. A retail star has been born.

Rounding out the Top Five this week are former chart champs Kenny Chesney (BNA) at #2 and Ashanti (Murder Inc./IDJ) at #3.

Meanwhile, strong sales jumps are posted by #9 Reprise’s Josh Groban (+13% over last week), #15 Capitol’s Bonnie Raitt (+13%) and #22 Blue Note’s Norah Jones (+14%).

And it wouldn’t be our lead story without one last feel-good quote from the esteemed Mr. Jakiela: "The season has hit the ground running, with something for everyone." Yeeeeehaaaaa! Let’s party.