Ludacris Controls Janet

Something funny happened on Janet Jackson's way back to number one. Make that something Ludacris...

The rapper-actor's fifth album, Release Therapy, edged out Jackson's 20 Y.O., to lead four albums in the top five and end the two-week reign of Jackson's partner in wardrobe malfuction, Justin Timberlake.


Release Therapy sold 309,000 copies to 297, 000 copies of 20 Y.O for the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures.


Ludacris, who will perform next month on Saturday Night Live, ruled the Billboard 200 on the strength of his new smash single, "Money Maker," which itself topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Mainstream Songs and Rhythmic/Top 40 radio charts. Since his last album, 2004's chart-topping Red Light District, the Atlanta-based rapper also made an impact on the big screen with roles in the acclaimed films Crash and Hustle & Flow.


Early predictions had Jackson topping Ludacris, in large part because her Oprah appearance last week gave the singer an early sales boost. But a late charge by Ludacris wound up extending Janet Jackson's streak as a runner-up.


Both of her albums released after the Super Bowl XXXVIII have opened at number two--all her previous studio albums debuted at number one stretching back to 1986's Control. Her last album, 2004's Damita Jo sold 381,000-in its first week. Her last number one album, 2001's All for You, had given the singer a career-best 605,000-copy first week.