Eminem’s highly anticipated new album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), is poised to dominate the Billboard charts with its first-week sales projections.
According to HITS Daily Double, the album is expected to move between 270,000 and 290,000 album-equivalent units in its debut week, guaranteeing Eminem a No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. This would knock Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department off its 12-week reign at the top.
This album would mark the rap legend’s 11th No. 1 album, putting him on par with music icons like Kanye West, Bruce Springsteen, and Barbra Streisand. With only Drake, Taylor Swift, JAY-Z, and The Beatles boasting more No. 1 albums, Eminem’s place in music history is solidified.
Although these sales numbers are lower compared to his previous monster release of The Marshall Mathers LP in 2000, The Death of Slim Shady could still outperform his more recent efforts like Revival and Music to be Murdered By.
Controversy has surrounded the album since its release, particularly in response to Eminem’s diss towards conservative commentator Candace Owens in the track “Lucifer.” Owens fired back, labeling Eminem as a closeted homosexual and criticizing him for using shock tactics to stay relevant in the industry.
In addition to taking shots at Owens, Eminem also targeted Diddy, Ja Rule, Lizzo, and other “corny white rappers” on The Death of Slim Shady. This album is shaping up to be another standout release in Eminem’s storied career.
