Linkin Park and Jay-Z’s ‘mash-ups’ top the heap

Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z plus L.A. rock band Linkin Park equals No. 1. “Collision Course,” an album in which the artists combine their songs in studio “mash-ups,” entered the national sales chart Wednesday at No. 1 with sales of 368,000.

The other new arrivals in the top 10 are Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” (No. 3 with sales of 250,000), Nas’ two-disc “Street’s Disciple” (No. 5 with 232,000) and T.I.’s “Urban Legend” (No. 7 with 193,000), according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Last week’s chart-topper, U2’s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” is No. 2 this week after its sales fell from 840,000 to 288,000. Gwen Stefani’s debut solo album also experienced a substantial drop in its second week, from 309,000 to 126,000 and from No. 7 to No. 15.

Next week’s chart should feel the effect of Ludacris’ “Red Light District” and Lindsay Lohan’s “Speak,” both released this week. Tuesday’s Grammy nominations could also inspire sales surges for such high-profile contenders as Usher, Ray Charles, Green Day, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and Kanye West.