Rapper Drake’s new album debuted at number one on the U.S. charts on Wednesday, despite releasing it digitally and without prior promotion. The Canadian hip-hop artist and actor suddenly released “If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late,” which features collaborations with Madonna and Lil Wayne, on iTunes and streaming services last Thursday. Drake has not announced a physical release for the work, which he described as a mixtape, as he is working on a full album. Nevertheless, even without brick-and-mortar sales, “If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late” sold nearly 500,000 copies, the strongest first-week showing since Taylor Swift’s blockbuster “1989” last year, according to tracking service Nielsen SoundScan. Drake’s effort topped the Billboard 200 chart for the week ending Feb. 15, dethroning “1989,” which had been accompanied by a massive marketing campaign from Swift. Since late last year, the Billboard charts have taken into account not only physical and digital sales, but also streaming. Raised in Toronto, Drake became a star on Canadian television in his teens before releasing his first mixtape in 2006. He eventually signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money label. Drake’s first three full-length albums all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. While releasing an album out of the blue is not the norm, it is becoming more common for musicians contending with an increasing frequency of leaks and a changing music marketing landscape. Superstar Beyoncé released a self-titled album in late 2013 without prior announcement, accompanied by a slew of videos. Similarly, R&B artist D’Angelo released his first album in 14 years, the critically acclaimed “Black Messiah,” in December without prior announcement.
