Travis Scott’s mixtape Days Before Rodeo, initially released in 2014, has made a stunning return to the charts, and this time it’s on track to potentially dethrone Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet from the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. Despite an initial fall to No. 106 after debuting at No. 2, the mixtape’s vinyl release, which includes both standard LPs and exclusive deluxe box sets, has given it a massive sales surge. Vinyl editions have been a growing trend in the music industry, especially with collectors and long-time fans eager to add these physical formats to their repertoire.
Though Days Before Rodeo has been available for digital streaming for years, its physical re-release has come at a strategic time. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet has held the No. 1 position for two consecutive weeks, powered primarily by streaming and digital downloads. However, Days Before Rodeo’s strong vinyl sales could help Scott make a historic comeback. Billboard reports that although Days Before Rodeo’s streaming numbers pale in comparison to Short N’ Sweet, the sheer volume of vinyl orders may tip the scales in Scott’s favor. Vinyl sales continue to play a significant role in album chart performance, especially for legacy releases and special editions.
The battle between Scott and Carpenter has been intense. When the two first vied for the No. 1 spot a few weeks ago, Carpenter narrowly secured the top position, besting Scott by fewer than 1,000 album-equivalent units. Given the narrow margin and the ongoing interest in vinyl records, Scott’s team hopes the surge in physical sales will push Days Before Rodeo to the top spot, something that seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago.
Scott’s fans, excited by the resurgence of Days Before Rodeo, have been vocal on social media, rallying behind the artist’s quest for the top. Carpenter’s camp, however, remains confident that her album’s consistent streaming performance will allow her to hold on to the crown for a third week. Regardless of the outcome, the competition between these two artists highlights the evolving landscape of album sales, where physical formats and digital streaming vie for dominance.
The final tally of sales and streams will be crucial, and it remains to be seen if Travis Scott can capitalize on his mixtape’s vinyl momentum to reclaim the No. 1 spot. As both artists continue to promote their respective projects, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this chart battle.
