Album Sales Week Of 2/22/11 (Joell Ortiz, Strong Arm Steady, Layzie Bone + Industry News)

13 years ago view-show 867,834

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After a long delay and accidental shipment, E1 finally gave Joell Ortiz’s Free Agent an official release last week.  Given the circumstances and the fact that it leaked months early, I wouldn’t say that it undersold.  It also looks like more people are fans of Layzie than Bizzy Bone

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Joell Ortiz “Free Agent” – 3,976 (41% digital)

Strong Arm Steady “Arms & Hammers” – 993 (43% digital)

Layzie Bone “The Meaning” – 649  (14% digital)

Layzie Bone “The Definition” – 620  (8% digital)

Layzie Bone “The Definition & Meaning: Combo Pack” – 240  (100% digital)

Bizzy Bone “Mr. Ouija” – 20  (100% digital)

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A couple of weeks ago, I noted that Warner Music Group reported serious losses in its first fiscal quarter.  Now it appears that the company, which has been on the market since January, has received at least 10 bids on various assets within the company.  Bloomberg is reporting that Sony/ATV Music Publishing and  BMG are among several companies bidding on Warner’s publishing.  Apparently Universal Music Group didn’t bid because of antitrust concerns, but may end up going after some of Warner’s catalogue.  It’s also said that entrepreneur Len Blavatnik, who was part of the Thomas H. Lee Partners/Edgar Bronfman-led private equity buyout of WMG from Time Warner, was bidding for a majority of the company.  Several undisclosed private equity firms are also said to have placed bids on the brand. I’m still wondering what will become of EMI…

In related news, the current head of Universal Music Group, Doug Morris, is jumping to rival Sony Music.  He will begin his reign as chief executive on July 1st.  The New York Times is reporting, “Mr. Morris’s successor at Universal, Lucian Grainge, has already begun a $138 million cost-cutting campaign.”  It looks like things are getting ugly…