ONE-DAY SALES: D12’S ON TOP, BUT DON’T COUNT USHER OUT

Think D12 fans (read: fans of Eminem and those other guys) are going to be getting World-weary by next week? Guess again.

Following the Shady/Interscope act’s monster 552k chart debut this week, the chances of D12 World scoring another week at #1 are better than good.

But there is the possibility that it could slip to #2 and Usher could rise to the top once more. It depends on a couple of things:

First, Usher’s Confessions (LaFace/ZLG) seems to have found its level, rising 1% this week to just under 260k, but he’ll have to maintain that pace or better (and keep in mind, this was his sixth week on the chart after five at #1) if he is to have a shot at reclaiming the throne.

Next, D12 will have to drop by the usual 50% or more, with the emphasis on more. At 552k this week, the album would have to dip by at least 52% to put it within Usher’s range. But D12 has a massive hit single, “My Band.” Is it big enough to keep D12’s sales safely out of Usher’s reach through the end of the week?

It’s too early to tell, of course. But before you call your bookie to play the rent money on D12, keep in mind that stranger things have happened.

Meanwhile, this week’s biggest release appears to be Petey Pablo, whose Still Writing In My Diary: 2nd Entry (Jive) appears headed for a first-week tally of 100k, according to early reports from national accounts. That would give Petey a good shot at a Top Five chart debut.

The next-biggest release looks like last year’s American Idol second runner-up Kimberley Locke, whose One Love (Curb) looks like it’ll do better than 50k for the week. Also hitting near that mark will be Totally Hits 2004 Vol. 1 (BMG Heritage), with Flaw’s Endangered Species (Republic/Universal) just behind.