Rapper Nicki Minaj was bumped out of the #1 spot by Aretha Franklin‘s 30 Greatest Hits album on Thursday. Streaming sales of the queen of soul’s music surged on iTunes after Aretha lost her prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer at age 76.
Nicki’s album Queen was bumped to #2 on the iTunes chart while Aretha’s classic single “Respect” climbed to the #2 spot on the singles chart. More music from Aretha, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” ”Think,” ”Chain of Fools” and “I Say A Little Prayer,” all landed in the Top 40.
Condolences and tributes continue to pour in from around the world for the late great soul singer. Pop singer Alicia Keys performed “Natural Woman” on Nicki’s “Queen Radio” show to honor Aretha. And pop star Ariana Grande sang Franklin’s hit “(You make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” on “The Tonight Show” on Thursday.
Alicia recalled losing her confidence in Aretha’s presence at Clive Davis‘ party.
“It was kind of scary to be in her presence, in a good way. When you just know you’re in the presence of greatness. I remember the first time Clive asked me to perform with her. She’s one of the greatest of all time, one of the greatest voices. I remember her giving me a lot of love and said she played my songs during her shows. She performed ‘You Don’t Know My Name.'”
