On the strength the
smash single “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” Paul Wall’s The People’s
Champ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart this week, with first
week sales of 176,800 units in the U.S. alone.
Wall’s chart-topping debut ends the two-week reign of Kanye
West’s Late Registration (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam), which fell to No. 2
with sales of 165,000 units.
The Swisha House/Asylum artist first gained national attention
by appearing on the Mike Jones street anthem "Still Tippin’" and is
currently enjoying heavy radio rotation with his single, “Sittin’
Sidewayz.”
"I am thrilled that so many people are realizing Paul Wall’s
talent," said Todd Moscowitz, President, Asylum Records. "Our ability
to identify and partner with some of the leading urban labels in the industry
and help them take their artists to the next level truly validates the incubator
initiative and the value that these partnerships create for everyone involved.
First, Mike Jones, then Webbie, now Paul Wall, it’s been a great year for Asylum
Records."
Wall’s album is the third Top Ten hit for Warner Music Group’s
Asylum imprint. WMG reactivated Asylum a year ago as part of the company’s incubator
initiative.
Houston-based rap star Mike Jones’ album Who is Mike Jones?
at #3 on Billboard’s Top 200 in April.
The album has sold more than one million copies.
In July, Webbie’s
Savage Life debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and has sold
more than 215,000 copies nationwide.
