E! Online and MTV.ca are reportng that Janelle Monae's "Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition)" will debut at #115 on The Billboard 200 with sales of 5,200.

This has to be considered a success, for a number of different reasons. The EP concept itself is a challenge, but it's even harder when most of the album has previously been released. This EP is essentially a re-release with two new tracks. She is who she is and she has her fans, but what she has going for her is not something that is raking in big sales right now. That's not to say she can't do it, just that it will be a great challenge.

Due to this, it is tougher to garner press. The majority of press she has received has been limited to the internet, primarily, and Atlanta area media. She doesn't have a video out, though that will be soon. This isn't to say that Bad Boy should have promoted her more. I think Bad Boy's promotion of her was fine. It's questionable how much you can really invest in the promotion of a re-release EP like this. The purpose of it, from my perspective, is to introduce her to some people, setting the stage for the album to do well.

So, I think all parties did a good job with this one. If she hits, she hits - perhaps the video will boost her. But, it'll be interesting to see what she is able to do with a full album of new material where there has been time to get her out there more. The EP will help introduce her to people, leading to sales of the album. But, right now, #115 has to be counted as a good thing. So, congrats to them.