MILE’S GOT LEGS

The 8 Mile soundtrack debuted at #1 last week—BEFORE the $54 million dollar opening-weekend box office. That said, with the film drawing from all demographics and Eminem mania reaching new heights, it looks like not even the Britney-less Justin Timberlake can dethrone the new king of the world.

If the numbers keep flowing like they are, Eminem will have the #1 film AND #1 album in the country. Of course, we might declare war on Iraq and send more than 250,000 soldiers to overthrow Saddam Hussein, so people may not care as much—but for now it’s really neat.

Other albums headed toward solid chart debuts: The U2 greatest-hits package, Insane Clown Posse, the live Dave Matthews Band, Jaheim, Andrea Bocelli and David Gray. Of course, such a stellar week of debuts also has retailers looking to Tuesday’s slate of releases, which includes Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, TLC, Crazy Town and Pearl Jam.

At Top 40, where the men are men and Top 40 programmers are computers, centrally-located at corporate headquarters, Christina Aguilera’s "Beautiful" will have a great clean-up week—despite the fact it officially drops today. Can you say, "smash"? Other clean-up action belongs to Nelly, while Creed, LL Cool J and Kelly Osbourne should register fine first weeks.

Post Modern programmers, whose idea of social consciousness is bringing their own cups to Starbucks, have embraced the cutting-edge sounds of Coldplay and Creed, while those nutty Crossover maniacs dig Aaliyah, B2K and Ja Rule.

In related news, last week’s elections have determined that God is a Republican. Stay tuned.