Backstreet Boys Still Larger Than Life

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Jun 10, 2099 Source: E! Online Submitted By: by Jeffrey Jolson-Colburn June 9, 1999, 6:30 p.m. PT Despite their record-breaking ways, the Backstreet Boys had their hands full holding off a bevy of new releases last week at the nation's record stores, most notably a two-pronged Latin pop attack from Ricky Martin and moonlighting actress Jennifer Lopez--the genre's deepest foray yet into the Top 10. Hardcore rappers Ja Rule and Master P's Tru also enjoyed strong debuts, but the Backstreet Boys seem unfazed by all the new competition. The blue-eyed hip-pop quintet is running numbers usually seen only during the holidays, selling 438,000 units of Millennium. The disc, backed by the hit "I Want It That Way," has now passed the 2 million mark in just three weeks, after opening with sales of 1.1 million--the first record ever to bow with more than a million. Ricky Martin, mobbed wherever he goes, made a convincing statement at No. 2 as his eponymous English-language debut registered sales of 313,000. At nearly 2 million in sales on this record, he leads the Latin pop brigade, which is finally fulfilling its long-discussed potential--especially with Lopez added to the equation and several potential breakthrough performers waiting in the wings. Though Gloria Estefan and Enrique Iglesias have had numerous hits, multiple acts in the Top 10 now give the genre new cachet in the industry. Lopez, who initially made a splash playing Tejano popster Selena on screen, saw her musical debut, On the 6, bow at No. 8 with sales of 111,000. Fueled by her chart-topping single, "If You Had My Love," a whirlwind of personal appearances and just plain good timing, Lopez has become the rare actor to crossover to recording success. The start of summer vacation heated things up for two hip-hop acts as well, both representing rival rap camps. The upstart Ja Rule, backed by label cronies Jay-Z and DMX, bowed at No. 3. The Queens-based rapper's Venni Vetti Vecci logged first-week sales of 184,000. Opening at No. 5 was Da Crime Family from Tru, a rap supergroup comprised of chart-toppers Master P and his brothers Silkk the Shocker and C-Murder. The No Limit act scored 139,000. In between the rappers was ex-Mouseketeer Britney Spears' ...Baby One More Time, which sold 149,000. TLC's FanMail delivered another 139,000 for No. 6 and crossover star Shania Twain found another 112,000 fans to score lucky No. 7. California punkers Blink 182 made a surprisingly powerful debut with Enema of the State, their first album in two years. It entered at No. 9 with sales of 110,000. Rounding out the Top 10 was former House of Pain member Kid Rock with "Devil Without a Cause." The star-studded Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me Soundtrack only debuted at No. 14 despite plenty of hype and would-be hits from Madonna and Lenny Kravitz. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: johnansog http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Comment on this item. Next Item: Backstreet Boys Hold Off Ja Rule, Jennifer Lopez On Chart Prev Item: 'Millennium' Extends Reign On Billboard 200