This week, Eminem's "Recovery" becomes the first album to sell a cumulative 1 million downloads in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The 2010 Web/Shady/Aftermath/Interscope set's total digital haul now stands at 1,001,000. (Overall, the album's total U.S. sales -- including physical copies -- stands at more than 3.9 million.)
Since SoundScan began tracking digital album sales in 2005, a total of 12 titles have moved at least 500,000 downloads. Nipping at Eminem's heels is the red-hot Adele, whose 2011 album, "21," will likely surpass 1 million downloads next week.
Eminem: The Billboard Cover Story
"Recovery" debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top Digital Albums chart a little over one year ago. It spent seven weeks atop both lists.
Two weeks ago, Eminem's fingerprints were at No. 1 on those charts once again, but this time as one-half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil (with Royce da 5'9"). Its "Hell: the Sequel" effort debuted atop both tallies, shifting an overall 171,000 in its first frame (89,000 were downloads).
Eminem & Royce da 5'9" Debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 with Bad Meets Evil EP
In a statement, Interscope Records vice chairman Steve Berman said regarding Eminem's digital feat: "'Recovery' selling one million digital albums is an incredible achievement by an incredible artist. I have had the pleasure of working with Eminem throughout the course of his career, and I'm delighted to be a part of yet another milestone on his amazing journey."
The rapper's manager, Paul Rosenberg, added, "We are thrilled to congratulate Eminem on the history-making digital sales success of 'Recovery.' Over the years we've made a concerted effort to engage Em's online fan base so this achievement is especially rewarding. Eminem made an amazing album with Recovery and the fans responded in record numbers."
