Universal Music Continues To Dominate Album Chart

Universal Music, the world's largest music company, achieved an unprecedented year-to-date current album market share this week of over 30%, according to SoundScan. UMG also surpassed its own record by achieving the largest single-week current album market share ever, 41.82%, further contributing to its leadership position. UMG holds 5 out of the top 6 positions in the Top Current Albums chart for week-ending June 30, 2002.

UMG leads the industry in sales with the country's best-selling album, Nelly Nellyville (Universal), which debuted in the No. 1 position. Also in the top 6 were Eminem The Eminem Show (Aftermath/Interscope) [No. 2], bringing it's cumulative total to over 3.6 million; N.O.R.E. God's Favorite (Def Jam Records) [No. 3]; Truth Hurts Truthfully Speaking (Aftermath/Interscope) [No. 5]; and Ashanti Ashanti (Murder Inc./Island Def Jam Music Group) [No. 6].

Universal Music & Video Distribution also claimed 15 of the top 30 albums with the additional titles of Papa Roach Lovehatetragedy (DreamWorks); Lilo & Stitch Soundtrack (Walt Disney Records); Sheryl Crow C'mon, C'mon (A&M Records); O Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack (Lost Highway); Big Tymers Hood Rich (Cash Money/Universal); SHeDAISY Knock On The Sky (Lyric Street); NOW That's What I Call Music 9 (Universal Music Enterprises); Vanessa Carlton Be Not Nobody (A&M Records); Cam'ron Come Home With Me (Roc-A-Fella); and New Found Glory Sticks & Stones (MCA Records).

Nelly held the peak position on numerous other SoundScan charts including Top R&B Album, Top Rap Album, and Top R&B Catalog Album. His single, "Hot In Herre" also tops Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart.

"The continued success at UMG is a testament to both the phenomenal talent of our artists and the impressive creativity and business acumen of our executives. I'm continually impressed by our labels and their dedicated teams who consistently achieve these amazing results," commented UMG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Morris.

UMG has held either the No. 1 or No. 2 positions on the Top Current Albums chart every week for the past 18 consecutive weeks.

"We are thrilled to see our market share continue to grow, and we remain committed to our labels and artists," added Jim Urie, President, Universal Music & Video Distribution. "We have just completed the first six months of the year and we have a strong release schedule through the end of the year. We are extremely optimistic about our continued success."

This week's record-breaking achievement builds upon the ongoing success of UMG in 2002. Earlier this year, UMG had an impressive 7 of the top 10 albums in the Top Current Album chart for week-ending April 7, 2002. On June 5, 2002, UMG achieved a record-setting weekly market share of 41.53%, which was led by Eminem's The Eminem Show. Universal Music and Video Distribution was also named Distributor of the Year by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) for the second year in a row.

The second half of the year will be more impressive with releases from Andrea Bocelli, Beck, Bon Jovi, DMX, Eminem (8 Mile Soundtrack), Eve, Godsmack, India.Arie, Jay-Z, Lee Ann Womack, Limp Bizkit, Ludacris, Shania Twain, Shaggy, 3 Doors Down, Tupac Shakur, and U2 (Greatest Hits Album) among many others.