Apple Music Chart Data curated by WMV, Jamaican music enthusiasts are predominantly consuming albums released by artists from the United States.
While Trap dancehall dominates the Apple Music Jamaica Singles chart, driven by digital streams, the top 20 albums for the chart dated Friday, April 12, shows a substantial 65% (13 out of 20) originate from US Hop Hop/R&B artists signed to major labels. In contrast, Jamaican artists contribute only 25% (5 out of 20) of the albums in the top 20, with South Africa accounting for 5% (1 out of 20).
Expanding the scope to the top 50 most consumed albums in Jamaica, WMV‘s analysis uncovers that the United States represents 42.55% of the releases streamed, with Future & Metro Boomin’s “WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU,” released on April 12, securing the top spot. Notably, this is their second consecutive release to debut at No. 1, with their previous offering, “WE DON’T TRUST YOU,” holding steady at #4 (peaking at #1). Concurrently, Jamaican listeners are captivated by the unfolding lyrical feud between Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, as J. Cole’s “Might Delete Later,” his sixth studio album, holds the sixth position after topping the chart last week.
The R&B stylings of Chris Brown’s “11:11,” released on November 10, 2023, claim the No. 2 spot(pk #1), while Beyoncé’s “COWBOY CARTER” rounds out the top 5 (Pk #1).
Jamaican artists command a modest 21.28% presence, led by Masicka’s “Generation of Kings” (Def Jam) at #3, the only dancehall album in the top 5. His previous release, “438,” holds strong at #12. Additional Jamaican albums in the top 50 include Zagga’s “Energy Never Lie” (16), Romain Virgo’s “The Gentle Man” (20), Pablo YG’s “Rich N Richer – EP” (22), Chronixx’s “Chronology” (24), Alkaline’s “New Level Unlocked” (26), Chilando’s “World Class” (29), Teejay’s “I AM CHIPPY” (30), Dexta Daps’s “TRILOGY” (31), and Alkaline’s “Top Prize” (35).
Canada holds 31.91% share of the albums streamed in Jamaica, with Drake boasting 8 entries in the top 50, including “For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition” (15), “Certified Lover Boy” (21), “Take Care” (Deluxe Version) (27), “More Life” (32), “Views” (34), “Her Loss” with 21 Savage (39), “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” (38), and “Scorpion” at #58.
Meanwhile, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, South Korea, and the UK each contribute a modest 2.13%. Tyla’s “TYLA” claims the seventh spot, Various Artists’ “Get Soca 2024” secures the 23rd position, Jimin’s “FACE – EP” follows at 28, and Nemzzz’s “DO NOT DISTURB (DELUXE)” lands at #41.
Meanwhile, on the US Billboard Reggae Albums Chart, the same albums chart and re-chart this week. “Legend: The Best Of Bob Marley and The Wailers” holds the top position for 221 weeks. “Legend” is the only reggae album on the all genres US Billboard 200 chart at #3.
The band’s “Kaya” maintains its presence at #10. “Best Of Shaggy: Boombastic Collection” occupies the second spot, followed by Sean Paul’s “Dutty Classics Collection” at #3, and “Dutty Rock” re-enters the chart at #8.
Stick Figure’s “World On Fire,” “Set In Stone,” and “Wisdom” claim positions #4, #6, and #7, respectively. UB40’s “Greatest Hits” secures the fifth spot, while Damian Marley’s “Welcome To Jamrock” takes the ninth position.
