‘Ghetto D’ Pushes Past ‘No Way Out’

New Orleans rapper Master P’s “Ghetto D” was the nation’s top-selling album last week, nudging Puff Daddy’s “No Way Out” from the top of the chart.

“Ghetto D” sold nearly 260,000 copies during its first week in stores to easily overtake “No Way Out,” which sold about 140,000 copies and dropped to No. 2.

Oasis’ “Be Here Now,” barely beaten out of the top spot last week, fell to No. 9 after suffering a second-week sales drop of more than 50%.

Mariah Carey’s “Honey” was the nation’s best-selling single for the second week in a row.

What’s Hot

Here are some recent releases that are generating critical or commercial attention:

Oasis’ “Be Here Now” (Epic). Oasis is raising the stakes with its most bombastic and boldly personal effort yet. “Be Here Now” finds songwriter Noel Gallagher and his singing sibling Liam unabashedly laying claim to the pantheon of rock greats, while wistfully reflecting on their own long and winding road to stardom.

Coolio’s “My Soul” (Tommy Boy). Preserving integrity is the one thing Coolio easily achieves here. Many of the songs prove that despite his success, he cares deeply about his position as a rapper and a spokesman. As always, he finds ways to tell compelling stories, but he still has the ability to shake his groove thang.

Missy Elliott’s “Supa Dupa Fly” (EastWest). As is the Fugees’ Lauryn Hill, Elliott is a triple threat: a cool-as-ice rapper; a singer with an earthy, deeply soulful voice; and a talented songwriter and producer. Whether it’s the rollicking “Sock It 2 Me,” the mysterious “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” or the sultry “Friendly Skies,” this album just doesn’t let up.

LeAnn Rimes’ “You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs” (Curb). In her third album in little more than a year, the 15-year-old phenom unleashes her powerful voice on a dozen inspirational songs.

Fleetwood Mac’s “The Dance” (Reprise). Reuniting the five members of the Mac’s most successful lineup, this live album features spirited but faithful versions of the lyrical, folk-based tunes that make up the group’s rich catalog and a few new numbers.

Forest for the Trees’ “Forest for the Trees” (DreamWorks). Led by Carl Stephenson--who produced Beck’s breakthrough hit, “Loser”--Forest for the Trees gives us an album informed by a childlike sense of wonder and a spiritual seeker’s urgency.

What’s New

Gilberto Gil’s “Quantra” (Mesa/Atlantic), Talk Show’s “Talk Show” (Atlantic).

What’s Coming

Tuesday: Mariah Carey’s “Butterfly” (Columbia).

Sept. 23: Bjork’s “Homogenic” (Elektra), Elton John’s “The Big Picture” (Rocket/Polydor/A&M;).