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T.I.’s third CD debuts at top of the charts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When his new CD was released last week, Atlanta rapper-actor T.I. told us: “I am doing everything I can these days to ensure success.”
Wednesday, that work paid off.
The official results are in from Billboard magazine, and T.I.’s latest CD “Paper Trail” has debuted atop The Billboard 200 charts; making it the No. 1 album in the country.
“Paper Trail” is his third straight CD to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. And it is his biggest sales week ever — with a reported 568,000 copies sold in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It also marks the third-highest first-week sales this year. Plus it is the biggest sales week for his record label, Atlantic, since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991.
But the good news doesn’t stop there: T.I. also broke a record on the Hot 100, where he made the largest leap to No. 1 — a record he set himself only six weeks ago. “Live Your Life,” featuring Rihanna, the latest single from “Paper Trail,” jumped from No. 80 to No. 1, replacing the T.I. single “Whatever You Like.”
And since we’re talking hometown, here’s another interesting factoid for you: T.I. is the first artist to replace himself at No. 1 on the Hot 100 since Atlanta R&B superstar Usher switched out “Burn” for “Confessions Part II” in July 2004.
Getting ‘Real’ at W
A premiere party for “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” at the Perimeter W Hotel or the presidential debate that might decide the future of the nation? Several hundred people chose the former, including boxer Evander Holyfield (whose daughter works for “Housewife” Sheree Whitfield), Mark Hayes of “Good Day Atlanta,” former Falcon Chuck Smith (who knows four of the women personally) and Hot 107.9’s Rashan Ali. After the screening, the five women spent more than an hour posing for photos virtually nonstop, their thirst for attention seemingly unquenchable.
Real estate investor Gregg Leakes, “Housewife” cast member NeNe Leakes’ husband, watched on the sidelines with amusement, holding a big “wish” box his wife received as a gift from the hotel. Told he looked uncomfortable on the show, he noted, “I’m a behind-the-scenes guy.”
But he enjoyed his wife on the first episode and all the drama she created: “I love NeNe because she’s real. It’s always good to be real.”
New Birth viewing party
Want to take in the final presidential debate in a bipartisan atmosphere? New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Bishop Eddie Long is opening up his stadium-sized venue in Lithonia next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The free event will feature a Q&A discussion session led by Long, and the candidates themselves will address attendees via a live video feed message during the evening. Given New Birth’s size, the venue also could double as one-stop shopping for pollsters post-debate.
Falcons freebies
Got tickets for this Sunday’s sold-out Falcons game against the Chicago Bears at the Georgia Dome downtown? You may not want to immediately head out for the beer concession at half-time. The Falcons front office informed Buzz Central on Wednesday that R&B sensation Robin Thicke will be performing tunes from his new album, “Something Else” during halftime. Need further incentive, you say?
In a promotion with Ford, the Falcons will be handing out John Abraham action figures to the first 10,000 fans into the Dome on Sunday. One note of warning: Given the figure’s menacing stance and ripped jersey, don’t be surprised if the thing sacks you in your sleep.
OVERSCENE
Former New York Jets running back and Kyma regular Curtis Martin introducing his pal, Atlanta director Tyler Perry, to the critically acclaimed Buckhead Greek restaurant. We’re told that Kyma chef Pano Karatassos made sure the table had an order of loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), which are Martin’s faves. … Lawyer Milloy of the Atlanta Falcons ordering the gumbo and pork entree at Two Urban Licks.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“They are so good!”
Vice presidential candidate Joe Biden laughing uncontrollably (to the point of creepiness, actually) on “Good Morning America” as Diane Sawyer showed him a clip of “Saturday Night Live” cast member Jason Sudeikis’ “psycho” Biden in SNL’s vice presidential debate parody
Celebrity birthdays
R&B singer Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) is 64. Singer Jackson Browne is 60. Manager-TV personality Sharon Osbourne (“The Osbournes”) is 56. Actor Tony Shalhoub (“Monk”) is 55. Actor Steve Burns (“Blues Clues”) is 35. Singer Sean Lennon is 33. Actor Zachery Ty Bryan (“Home Improvement”) is 27. Actor Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) is 16.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Rodney Ho and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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