50 Cent, Norah Jones still at top

New York rapper 50 Cent’s major-label debut, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” and Norah Jones’ Grammy-winning “Come Away With Me” continue to dominate the nation’s pop album sales chart. They were the only two CDs last week to top the 200,000 sales figure.

50 Cent’s collection held on to the No. 1 position by selling 279,000 copies, to bring his six-week total to almost 3.3 million. Jones’ stylish pop package sold 243,000, pushing its total to 4.8 million.

Despite the controversy that surrounded the Dixie Chicks after the trio’s Texas-born lead singer, Natalie Maines, told a London audience last week that she was ashamed that President Bush is from Texas, the group’s “Home” album actually moved up two places to No. 4 on this week’s chart. Since the chart reflects sales through Sunday, this week’s sales figure -- which will be announced Wednesday -- may be a better reflection of the effect of Maines’ comments on the album’s sales. Maines apologized Friday for the remarks.

Meanwhile, retailers are looking forward to the release Tuesday of the new Linkin Park album, “Meteora.” The rock band, whose debut album was the biggest-selling collection of 2001, is expected to enter the chart at No. 1 on April 2.

-- Robert Hilburn