An early estimate puts AZ Chike’s new album near 9,000 U.S. units in its first week.

The first-week outlook for AZ Chike’s No Rest for the Wicked is taking shape. An early estimate attributed to Nora Music Inc. has the album aiming for around 9,000 equivalent units in the U.S.

I would keep that number in pencil for now. It is not a confirmed sales total, and it does not come with a guaranteed Billboard 200 position. The album still has the rest of its tracking week to go before we know how it opened.

Released September 18, No Rest for the Wicked runs 14 tracks. Tyler, The Creator shows up twice, on “Look Like My Mama” and “The World Is Ours.” JMSN contributes to “Need Your Love.” It is an inviting guest list, especially for anyone just getting familiar with AZ Chike’s music.

Still, the release has more to offer than a couple of names on its tracklist. There is space here to hear how Chike handles different moods on his own, and that may be what determines whether a new listener keeps the album in rotation.

The projected opening gives us a measure of initial interest. I’m curious about what happens after everyone has checked out the features: which Chike songs stick, and whether No Rest for the Wicked builds from there.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.