Eminem Breaks His Tie With Michael Jackson With His New No. 1 Album

Eminem rarely misses the No. 1 spot when he has a new project to share. The rapper returns to the summit on the U.K. albums chart this week with his latest release, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). As that title opens in first place across the pond, the man otherwise known as Marshall Mathers makes history.

The Death of Slim Shady marks Eminem’s eleventh No. 1 album in the U.K. That’s a sum that only a relatively small number of artists have reached, and the American superstar is in fantastic company.

With 11 No. 1s to his credit on the U.K. albums chart, Eminem is now tied with four other well-known musical acts on the list of artists with the most winners. He’s on the same level as U2, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, and Taylor Swift. The latter star earned her eleventh leader earlier this year with her latest drop, The Tortured Poets Department.

Before The Death of Slim Shady arrived, Eminem was already matched with a number of other powerhouses in the music industry. With his 10 No. 1s, the rapper was on the same level as Queen, ABBA, and Michael Jackson. Now he’s passed all of them, and likely for good.

Only six artists appear ahead of Eminem and his newly-tied colleagues. The Beatles continue to rule the ranking of the musical acts with the most No. 1s on the U.K. albums chart. The Fab Four pushed 15 projects to the peak position.

The Rolling Stones and Robbie Williams are tied for second place on the list, with 14 No. 1s each. Elvis Presley sits alone after them with his lucky 13 rulers. Just one champion ahead of Eminem and company are Bruce Springsteen and Madonna, who have seen 12 different releases rise to the highest rung on the tally.

According to the Official Charts Company, Eminem’s latest moved 45,000 equivalent units in the U.K. in its first week of availability. The set was previewed with two singles, “Houdini” and “Tobey” with Big Sean and BabyTron. The former hit No. 1, while the superstar collaboration has thus far peaked at No. 29.

ForbesEminem Is Inching Closer And Closer To A Very Special MilestoneBy Hugh McIntyre