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Justin Bieber Hits iTunes No. 1 With ‘Purpose’ Album: Ariana Grande, Nas, Travis Scott, Big Sean, And More Feature

By Page Mackinley
Published on: 04:17 PST, Oct 16, 2015

Justin Bieber’s mighty comeback continues. The deluxe version of the superstar’s forthcoming Purpose album soared to number one on the U.S. and Canadian iTunes album charts within 50 minutes of pre-orders becoming active on the platform at midnight on October 15.

Bieber counted down with fans online as the appointed hour approached, tweeting that album prices had been kept down to make it good value for money, before announcing the final moment and going on to share videos.

At press time, Purpose is the No. 1 album on iTunes in 45 countries, including the U.S, Canada, Israel, Italy, the U.K., Ireland, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and counting.

It is No. 2 in a further 14 countries and scored high placements elsewhere on the in-flux iTunes charts.

The deluxe format of the album, which retails at $12.99, has 19 songs on it. The regular album is on sale for $9.99 and contains 14 tracks. In addition to iTunes, Purpose is also available at other online outlets such as Amazon and Bieber’s official store.

Justin Bieber
(Photo: Screenshot of Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ Album at No. 1 on the U.S iTunes album chart)

Buyers who pre-order either version get a remix of Bieber’s worldwide No. 1 hit “What Do You Mean?” which now features the octave-scaling Ariana Grande.

Bieber’s highly anticipated fourth studio album officially touches down on November 13. That’s when the world will get to hear what the heartthrob has been working on for three years with a select dream team that includes main songwriting partner Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd and producers Skrillex, Diplo, Rick Rubin, and Kanye West.

The release will see Justin face-off for album chart supremacy that day with artists including boy band, One Direction, who are releasing their pre-hiatus, fifth album, Made in the A.M.

Not surprisingly, the visible tracklisting of Purpose reveals worldwide smashes “What Do You Mean?” and “Where Are U Now?” — the Biebs’ EDM-Pop collaboration with Jack U’s Skrillex and Diplo.

The recently teased “Sorry” also pops up, which may suggest it will be the single that Justin is set to drop reportedly featuring Drake. Rap-Up report the Skrillex/Blood Diamond-produced track will be released on Friday, October 23.

Justin Bieber
(Photo: Screenshot of writing and production credits on ‘Purpose’ album)

More information comes from writing and production credits on the tracks, which is not a full listing. Diplo and Drake (the rapper is credited as Aubrey Graham) are not credited and both are confirmed contributors on Bieber’s album.

Bieber is a co-writer on every song. Poo Bear appears on most of Purpose. Other co-writers include Brit artist Ed Sheeran and Big Sean (credited as Sean Anderson), which suggests the MC features on a song. Big Sean previously guested on Bieber’s 2012 Believe hit “As Long As You Love Me” and “Memphis,” a cut on Bieber’s 2013 low-fi R&B Journals collection.

Somewhat excitingly, rapper Nas (credited as Nasir Jones) shows up as a co-writer on one song (title isn’t visible). The acclaimed rapper’s feature is likely to be an album high-point.

Travi$ Scott (credited as Jacques Webster) and hip-hop producer Mike Dean also appear on another track, indicating Scott returned the favor of Bieber’s “Maria, I’m Drunk” feature on Travi$’ Rodeo album.

The Biebs shared a tweet hours after the pre-orders kicked off, cleverly teasing more features. So, as well as Drake and above mentioned guests, there may be more in the kitty.

As expected, Skrillex (credited as Sonny Moore) appears on several songs. The EDM titan is a primary producer on the album and is involved in eight or nine songs, according to Bieber, even though this listing appears to have him on five.

A lot to look forward to, then. For a taster of the Justin Bieber remix of “What Do You Mean? featuring Ariana Grande,” check out the video below.

Have you pre-ordered your copy of Purpose yet?

To see the (so far revealed) tracklisting in big font click here.

[Images via Instagram / Retna]

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justin bieber skrillex ariana grande Travis Scott Big Sean
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