Pop Album Chart : History-Making Premiere for Ice Cube

Ice Cube has made history. The rapper’s “Predator” album not only premiered at the top of the pop chart, but the R&B; chart as well--the first time any artist ever entered at No. 1 on both. “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, half of which is Whitney Houston songs, came in second its first week on the pop chart, thanks to the boost from her smash-hit single “I Will Always Love You”--the pop chart leader. The best-selling instrumentalist in the business, sax player Kenny G, entered the chart at No. 9 with “Breathless.”

* This is the first of two volumes of live material by the popular English pop-rockers (the second is due early next year). This Genesis collection entered the chart at No. 48.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Last Weeks on the Week Ago Chart 1. “The Predator,” Ice Cube ... ... 1 2. “The Bodyguard,” soundtrack ... ... 1 3. “The Chase,” Garth Brooks 1 2 9 4. “Timeless,” Michael Bolton 2 1 8 5. “Unplugged,” Eric Clapton 3 4 13 6. “Some Gave All,” Billy Ray Cyrus 4 6 27 7. “Pure Country (Soundtrack),” George Strait 6 7 10 8. “Love Deluxe,” Sade 5 3 3 9. “Breathless,” Kenny G ... ... 1 10. “Automatic for the People,” R.E.M. 8 8 7 * “Live: The Way We Walk Vol. 1,” Genesis ... ... 1

Source: Billboard/Soundscan