Travis Scott aims for Billboard 200 top spot with vinyl release

Travis Scott is set to potentially top the Billboard 200 chart with the vinyl release of his re-released mixtape, 'Days Before Rodeo,' originally launched in 2014. The vinyl editions began shipping this week, and their sales will contribute to the upcoming Billboard chart. Industry projections suggest Scott could achieve around 130,000 total album units, significantly bolstered by physical album sales from the vinyl shipments, while his competitor, Sabrina Carpenter, is expected to reach about 101,000 units primarily through streaming. The competition between Scott and Carpenter has intensified, with both artists employing various strategies to secure a top position on the charts. Carpenter has also released multiple editions of her album, including bonus tracks and a demo version of her popular song 'Taste.' This rivalry has drawn comparisons to past chart battles, notably Scott's previous competition with Nicki Minaj in 2018. Scott's team has raised concerns regarding the integrity of the Billboard chart, claiming that approximately 1,300 units sold in the last 15 minutes of the tracking week were not counted. Despite these claims, Billboard has affirmed its commitment to the accuracy of its data and methodology. The trend of delayed vinyl releases boosting album sales is not new, as similar situations have previously propelled other albums to the top of the Billboard 200. As the chart battle unfolds, both artists are keenly aware of the stakes involved in this high-profile competition.