Wale Rewarded for ‘Ambition,’ Lands at No. 1 on Album Chart

Even with a record called 'Ambition,' there was no way striving rhymer Wale was going to climb to the top of this week's album charts.

The hard-working Washington, D.C., MC had the misfortune of releasing his hotly anticipated sophomore disc the same day that Canadian pop juggernaut Justin Bieber dropped 'Mistletoe,' his holiday gift to tween girls everywhere.

While Biebs grabbed the top slot on the Billboard Top 200, selling 214,210 copies of his album, Wale, whose songs 'Bait,' 'Lotus Flower Bomb' and 'That Way' ring off with fans, came in at a respectable second, moving 164,062 units.

He managed to beat Scottish pop phenomenon Susan Boyle, country star Miranda Lambert and ailing British songstress Adele, who rounded out the top five.

As far as hip-hop and R&B are concerned, Wale is one of only two artists on this week's top 10. Loverman crooner, actor and former model Tyrese came in at No. 9, evidently finding plenty of takers for his 'Open Invitation.'

The Maybach Music Group signee debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hip-Hop/R&B charts. On the first day of the 'Ambition' release, he held the No. 1 spot at iTunes ahead of new releases from Miranda Lambert, Florence + The Machine and Justin Bieber.

"Wale's growth as an artist is undeniable," Warner Bros. Records' Executive Vice President of Urban Music, Joie Manda said in a statement. "His dedication to his craft was evident on this album and resulted in a stellar body of work."

Last week, Wale celebrated his sophomore album with a New York City performance that brought out the likes of Miguel, Rick Ross, Ne-Yo, French Montana, Meek Mill, Emilio Rojas and Stalley.