Snoop Dogg’s Missionary album makes a remarkable entry into the music scene, debuting in the top 10 across several prestigious Billboard charts. Specifically, the album is positioned at No. 7 on the Top Album Sales chart, No. 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and impressively at No. 3 on the Top Rap Albums chart, all for the week dated Dec. 28. Additionally, it claims the No. 20 spot on the overall Billboard 200 chart. This achievement signifies Snoop’s highest-charting album in over 15 years, showcasing his enduring appeal and the album’s strong reception among fans and critics alike.

The album Missionary marks a significant milestone in Snoop Dogg’s illustrious career as it is the first collaborative project produced by the legendary Dr. Dre since their iconic partnership on Snoop’s groundbreaking debut album, Doggystyle, released in 1993. This reunion not only revives the classic sound they are renowned for but also introduces fresh elements that resonate with today’s music landscape. Fans of both artists can expect a blend of nostalgia and innovation that sets this album apart in a competitive industry.

Understanding the mechanics behind Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart is crucial for music enthusiasts. This chart ranks the top-selling albums each week based solely on traditional album sales, providing a clear picture of what’s resonating with listeners. Its history dates back to May 25, 1991, when Billboard first began tracking album sales using electronically monitored data from SoundScan, now known as Luminate. It’s important to note that until December 6, 2014, the Billboard 200 albums chart relied solely on pure album sales before transitioning to a hybrid methodology that incorporates album sales, track equivalent album (TEA) units, and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units. This evolution reflects the changing dynamics of how music is consumed today.

In its debut week, Missionary achieved impressive numbers, earning 38,000 equivalent album units in the United States for the week ending December 19, according to Luminate data. This total comprises 20,500 traditional album sales, 16,500 SEA units, and the remaining units coming from TEA. Such a breakdown highlights the diverse ways in which listeners are engaging with the album, showcasing its appeal across multiple platforms, including streaming and digital downloads, which are increasingly vital in today’s music industry.

With its remarkable performance, Missionary becomes Snoop Dogg’s 13th top 10-charting project, establishing his enduring presence in the music industry. This album surpasses his previous highest-charting set, Ego Trippin, which peaked at No. 3 on the March 29, 2008, dated list. The consistent success of Snoop Dogg, even after decades in the industry, is a testament to his talent, adaptability, and the loyalty of his fanbase, who continue to support his musical endeavors.

Examining the broader landscape of the Top Album Sales chart, it’s clear that Snoop Dogg’s Missionary faces strong competition. Stray Kids’ HOP takes the lead at No. 1 with an impressive 180,000 units sold, marking the group’s sixth chart-topping album. Following closely is Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, which drops from No. 1 to No. 2 with 50,000 units, reflecting a substantial decline of 75%. The Wicked film soundtrack climbs to No. 3 with 29,000 units, while Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess rebounds to No. 4 with 28,000 units, an increase of 34%. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet rounds out the top five with 26,000 units sold, demonstrating the competitive nature of the charts this week.

In the current Top Album Sales rankings, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft advances from No. 9 to No. 6 with 23,000 units, marking a 26% increase. Meanwhile, TWICE’s STRATEGY drops from No. 2 to No. 8, experiencing a steep decline of 76% with 19,000 units in its second week. Additionally, the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack ascends from No. 10 to No. 9 with 16,000 units, up 20%. Taylor Swift’s former chart-topper, 1989 (Taylor’s Version), also climbs back into the top 10, moving from No. 12 to No. 10 with 14,000 units, reflecting a 29% increase and highlighting the power of her fanbase in sustaining her albums’ presence on the charts.