For those genuinely following along, letās clarify the contradictions that have been repeatedly overlooked. Understanding how different sales strategies influence first-week numbers is key to an honest discussion.
1. Contradicting Themselves on Sales Models
⢠At first, the claim was that sales models donāt matterāDrake and The Weeknd simply had ādifferent results,ā nothing more.
⢠But later, streaming manipulation was brought up as a factor, which directly contradicts the idea that sales models are irrelevant.
⢠The same person also pointed out that Drakeās long albums boost streams, further confirming that different strategies shape sales outcomes.
⢠So which is it? Either sales models donāt matter, or they doābut both positions canāt be true at the same time.
2. Ignoring the Clear Difference in Sales Strategies
⢠Yes, Drake sold physical copiesābut scale and intent matter.
⢠Drakeās album was 90.2% streaming-based (222K out of 246K).
⢠The Weekndās was 73% physicals and pre-orders (359K out of 490.5K).
⢠These are completely different release strategies, which is why The Weekndās second-week sales collapsed by over 70%, while Drakeās numbers are expected to hold steadier based on historical trends.
⢠Stacking pre-orders, multiple vinyl variants, and signed CDs front-loads first-week sales, while streaming-driven albums rely on sustained engagement for longevity.
⢠Rather than addressing this clear difference in strategy, the conversation instead shifted to accusations of āstreaming manipulationāāwhich only reinforces the core argument.
3. Deflecting With Streaming Manipulation
⢠Instead of acknowledging these differences, the argument pivoted to āDrake benefits from streaming manipulation.ā
⢠But this actually reinforces the argumentābecause if streaming tactics affect first-week sales, then so do pre-order stacking, vinyl variants, and signed CDs.
⢠You canāt claim one tactic is unfair while ignoring another that clearly played a role in boosting first-week numbers.
At the end of the day, the facts donāt changeāonly the excuses do. A fair discussion requires consistency, not moving the goalposts when the argument falls apart.