Young Money rapper Drake’s Thank Me Later debut dominated the charts by opening up at No. 1 with over 447,000 records sold.

The Canadian-based rapper’s debut topped the charts today.

Drizzy’s long-awaited, highly anticipated debut LP, Thank Me Later, had many fans and critics speculating that he might be able to sell one million records. The industry insiders at hitsdailydouble.com projected the Toronto talent to do about half, but now the legitimate numbers have been tabulated. According to the Nielsen SoundScan, the Young Money artist has sold 447,300 units, the biggest first week numbers of the year, so far.

Yesterday, Drake wrote via Twitter and thanked his fans for their support.

“Thank you for the support…thank you for the memories…thank me later.”

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” (Drake’s Twitter)

Canadian hip-hop phenom Drake’s proper Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown debut, Thank Me Later, debuts at #1 on this week’s HITS album chart with 463k, the third-highest total of the year after Sade and Lady Antebellum.

Despite his album leaking last month, Drake recently said he was not concerned of its impact.

“I always said if I had put out an album that was poor quality andmusic that people didn’t enjoy, then I think the leaks would hurt me,” Drake said in an interview. “Because a lot of the feedback has been great. The word of mouth, music is something that is to be enjoyed. I think it can help me so, June 15th, I’m still confident.”