Lil Wayne’s new CD sets record for sales

Lil Wayne’s new CD sets record for sales

NEW YORK — Lil Wayne now has official numbers to back up his bragging — the rapper’s new CD has sold a spectacular 1 million copies its first week. “Tha Carter III” is easily the best-selling first week of the year, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures. Even Kanye West’s “The Graduation” didn’t eclipse that mark in its first week last year (though it was only about 50,000 copies short).

A prolific rapper who’s been ubiquitous on the mixtape scene and on other acts’ records, Lil Wayne is generally regarded as one of rap’s most gifted performers — but he’s never had a multiplatinum album. His last two albums, “Tha Carter” and “Tha Carter II,” sold 1.1 million and 1.4 million copies, respectively.

Michelle Obama thanks, praises Laura Bush

WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama said Wednesday she was “touched” that first lady Laura Bush came to her defense after she was harshly criticized by Republicans for her February comment that for the first time in her adult life she was proud of the United States.

Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, later clarified her remarks, saying she had always been proud of her country and was particularly proud to see so many people involved in the political process.

In an interview last week with ABC, Bush said, “I think she probably meant ‘I’m more proud,’ you know, is what she really meant.” She said comments in a campaign are closely watched and can be misconstrued.

Today’s birthdays

Singer Spanky McFarlane of Spanky and Our Gang is 66. Actress Phylicia Rashad is 60. Singer Ann Wilson of Heart is 58. Actress Kathleen Turner is 54. Singer Mark DeBarge of DeBarge is 49. Singer-dancer-choreographer Paula Abdul is 46. Actor Andy Lauer (“Caroline in the City”) is 45. Actor Paul Dano (“Little Miss Sunshine”) is 24.