Compared to the first six months of 2005, the first half of 2006 has seen a 22.4% drop in album sales. 53.8 million units have been sold this year, which is a notable drop from 2006’s 69.3 million. These figures also take into account the sale of R&B albums.
Music industry insiders find the figures troubling, especially given the star studded line up of releases this year which include Mary. J. Blige, T.I., Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx. The numbers are not a good indication for mainstream urban music, which is currently in a downswing as it is.
Hopes are riding on the albums due from Beyonce, Ludacris, OutKast, Janet Jackson and Game to make up the gap.
The statistics were calculated from data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan.
Music industry insiders find the figures troubling, especially given the star studded line up of releases this year which include Mary. J. Blige, T.I., Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx. The numbers are not a good indication for mainstream urban music, which is currently in a downswing as it is.
Hopes are riding on the albums due from Beyonce, Ludacris, OutKast, Janet Jackson and Game to make up the gap.
The statistics were calculated from data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan.