Universal Music Group is a mighty proud parent today, celebrating the sales successes of Kanye West and 50 Cent.
The company proudly touts:
that it is the first music company ever to have a current market share of more than 50% (50.94%) and and the highest ever overall market share of 43.17%. (That one broke UMG's old record of 37.78% from Nov. 14, 2004);
its highest current digital album market share (49.67%);
the highest No. 1 and No. 2 debut combination ever in the SoundScan era (since 1991);
seven titles in the top 10, counting its distribution deal with Disney.
The number that isn't making into the headlines though is the number 9, as in overall sales this week were 9% less than the same week last year: 9.2 million vs. 10.1 million in 2006.
The major sellers making top 10 debuts last year? Beyonce, Audioslave and, believe it or not, Iron Maiden.