Hip-Hop duo Bad Meets Evil, comprised of Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″, managed to top Billboard‘s album chart yesterday after selling almost 171,000 copies in its first week out. Eminem is no stranger to the No.1 spot as he has reached the top spot a total of eight times: six times solo, and twice as a part of D12. This marks Royce’s first time at the top however, as he has previously only managed to hit No. 110 with 2009’s “Street Hop”.

However, while the pair is sitting comfortably in the top spot, it apparently was not their intention as Royce tells MTVNews that radio was not their goal. “I knew it had the potential. I just really was more focused on the whole ‘critically acclaimed’ thing, and I think we achieved that. I’m only hearing good things about how people feel about the album.” Well congrats to the cover artists, we can’t wait to hear what else the duo has in store for us.

Photo via Billboard

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On spring cover artist Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group’s “Self Made: Vol.1“, the number six album:

With his team assembled, Rick Ross put together a posse album that let each member of his crew get their proper shine—a rare feat for a compilation. Production by esteemed producers like Just Blaze, Lex Luger, and The Inkredibles was carefully chosen to craft the Maybach Music Group’s collective tone, built in the aesthetics of Ross’ “B.M.F. (Blowing Money Fast).” Meek Mill, Pill, and Wale bring the heat as they adapt their styles to Ross’ brand. Brandishing some certified bangers like “600 Benz” and “Tupac Back,” Self Made should prove to be the perfect springboard for Rozay’s eager soldiers.

On our most recent cover artists Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″‘s “Hell: The Sequel“, the number two album:

Over a decade after their classic single “Nuthin’ To Do”/“Scary Movies,” rap fans finally got an Eminem and Royce Da 5’9” collaborative album. We were so excited we dedicated a whole week’s worth of content to it. The timing couldn’t have been better for these two to hook up again. Nickel Nine is a better rapper today than he ever was before, and after dealing with the inherently heavy-handed topics of Recovery, Eminem is ready to have fun again as he jokes about Lady Gaga working at the post office because she’s a “male lady” (Get it?). On Hell, we finally find out exactly what happens when Bad Meets Evil—they bring out the best of each other as they go bar for bar in an endless game of lyrical one-upmanship.

Via Complex

The post Cover Artists Rule Complex’s Top 25 of 2011 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Eminem and Royce aren’t stopping with records. The “Bad Meets Evil” duo has teamed up with Converse to bring you an exclusive sneaker. The Bad Meets Evil shoe has its foundation in the classic Chuck Taylor style. However, the shoe features a Bad Meets Evil and Shady Records logo. Unfortunately, if you’re not in Boston or New York you probably won’t be able to get your hands on these. A portion of the proceeds will go to charity.

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Eminem and Royce Da 5’9″ drop their first album as Bad Meets Evil – Hell: The Sequel – tomorrow. Check out these clips from an interview with the duo on Em’s Sirius radio channel, Shade 45. They talk about everything from their first meeting to the EP’s set list.

The post Bad Meets Evil x Shade 45 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.