Soulja Boy fends off Britney on U.S. singles chart

Rap artist Soulja Boy arrives at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas September 9, 2007.

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Teen rapper Soulja Boy began a second straight -- and fourth non-consecutive week -- atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart Thursday with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," but he faces stiff competition from Britney Spears.

The former pop princess rocketed 65 places to No. 3 with "Gimme More," her first top 10 hit since "Toxic" in March 2004. "Gimme More," which sold 179,000 downloads, is the first single from her as-yet-untitled new album, targeted for a November 13 release. It marks her best showing on the list since her smash debut "...Baby One More Time" hit No. 1 for two weeks in 1999.

Kanye West's "Stronger" held at No. 2 on the Hot 100, while Timbaland's "The Way I Are" featuring Keri Hilson slipped one to No. 4. Also down one spot was Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry" at No. 5.

At No. 6, Timbaland earned his third top 10 from his album "Shock Value" with "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic, which jumped 16 spots. J. Holiday's "Bed" fell two to No. 7, while Feist's "1, 2, 3, 4" rocketed 20 places to No. 8 thanks to continued exposure in an iPod Nano TV spot. The track sold 128,000 downloads this week, a 75% increase over the previous frame.

Keyshia Cole's "Let It Go" featuring Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim dropped two to No. 9, and Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" held at No. 10 to round out the top tier.

The Hot 100's top debut came from Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo" at No. 58. It's the first single from the "American Idol" champ's self-titled debut, due November 20.

Reuters/Billboard