Vybz Kartel’s compilation album “First Week Out” released by Hapilos 21 has debuts at No. 8 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. The 12 track set was released on July 31, the same day Kartel was acquitted of murder. It features previously released songs “The Menace,” where Kartel asserts his independence and criticizes the Jamaican prosecution, which peaked at No. 1 in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Other tracks on the compilation include “Terror By Night,” “Unstoppable,” and collaborations with Squash, including “Skillful” and “Giant.” This is Kartel’s 9th title to hit the Billboard Reggae albums Chart and his 8th top hit 10.
“King Of The Dancehall” is his highest-charting work, debuting at No. 2 on July 2, 2016, and staying on the chart for 7 weeks. “Viking (Vybz Is King)” reached No. 3 on March 28, 2015, for 6 weeks.
While “Of Dons & Divas,” debuted at No. 6 on July 11, 2020, and “Vybz Kartel Roots & Culture: The Voice Of The Jamaican Ghetto,” peaking at No. 6 on July 27, 2013. “Born Fi Dis (Prelude)” reached No. 9 on August 21, 2021, while “Kartel Forever: Trilogy” hit No. 11 on October 12, 2013. “Reggae Love Songs & Other Things” debuted at No. 7 on June 21, 2014.
Vybz Kartel has amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify while incarcerated for 13 years, becoming the first independent dancehall artist to achieve this milestone.
Back on this week’s Billboard Reggae Albums Chart, Legend The Best Of Bob Marley and The Wailers increases its No. 1 lead for 240 weeks at the top. Followed by Dutty Classics Collection by Sean Paul at No. 2.
Best Of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection at No. 3. World On Fire, Set In Stone, Wisdom and Burial Ground by Stick Figure at No. 4, 5 and 6 and 9 respectively.
UB40’s UB45 moves up to No. 7
