T.I. WILL BE KING OF
THE CHARTS NEXT WEEK

Atlantic Records will sport their second chart-topping album in the past month, with the expected #1 bow of Atlanta rapper T.I.’s new album King., which appears to be headed to a first-week sales total of between 425-475k, which could be even higher if stock shortages are addressed.

The hip-hop icon’s fourth album features collaborations with Jamie Foxx (“Live in the Sky”) as well as Common and Pharrell (“Good Life”). The self-declared “King of the South” also stars in this weekend’s major motion picture, Warner Bros.’ ATL, Hollywood’s answer to the indie hit Hustle & Flow.

Mr. Faith Hill, unh, Tim McGraw’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2 on Curb will give WMG the top two albums on next week’s HITS Top 50, with an impressive opening week of between 220-230k.

Third place will be the domain of the still-potent Walt Disney Records album High School Musical, which will be off only slightly with 135-145k in sales. Def Jam/IDJ hip-hop icon Ghostface Killah’s Fishscale marks the return for the Wu Tang Clan member, with special appearances by Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole and members of his old band. The disc looks set for a #4 bow, garnering between 120-130k in units moved.

Geffen’s Rob Zombie album, Educated Horses, is set to debut in the Top 5 with between 95-100k. The Epic re-release of Shakira’s Oral Fixation Vol. 2, is set to return to the Top 10 at #6, thanks to the inclusion of the smash hit, “Hips Don’t Lie,” which she performed this week with Wyclef Jean on American Idol, which should boost her weekly sales total to 80-85k.

Custard/Atlantic’s James Blunt hangs in the Top 10 with 75-80k, while Victory’s Atreyu debuts at #8, with between 70-75k, giving Tony Brummel his second album in the Top 50 alongside Hawthorne Heights. Last week’s champ, Universal’s Prince, is now #9 with 65-70k, while Arista/RMG’s Barry Manilow remains in the Top 10 at 60-65k.

Interscope’s Yeah Yeah Yeahs will also bow in the Top 50 with 45-50k. Hitting the streets on Tuesday are Hollywood/Lyric Street’s Rascal Flatts, which could be the year’s first big record to reach the 500k mark. NOW 21 (350-400k) and LaFace/ZLG superstar P!nk’s I’m Not Dead (150-175k) are also hitting retail.

Please note that these are only estimates. We are not responsible for any unseen variations in the final totals, which will be revealed on this very website as they happen on Tuesday. So just use them to impress your friends. We won't cover your gambling losses.