Masicka‘s “Generation Of Kings” has sold 3,500 equivalent album units in streams and sales in the US during its first week. Of that amount, 600 were pure copies, while 4,400,000 were in streams, according to data exclusively provided to WMV by Billboard sales tracker Luminate.
The album, released by Def Jam Records on December 1, 2023, has earned 7,600 album equivalent units over its lifetime, including the previously released single ‘Tyrant’ and ‘Limelight‘ with a total of 11.1 million in on-demand streams for all tracks on the album.
“Generation Of Kings” is the highest first week sales for a dancehall album released in 2023 and the project made its mark on the streaming charts last week by topping the list in 16 countries on Apple Music and debuting at No.8 on the UK Spotify Top Albums debut chart. The album is poised to make an appearance on this week’s Billboard Reggae Albums chart, marking the artist’s second consecutive top-ten album.
Popcaan’s second OVO full length album “Great Is He” clocked 3200 album equivalent units in its first week, 300 of which were pure album copies to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Buju Banton’s ‘Born For Greatness’ released by Def Jam sold 2600 album equivalent units with 500 pure copies were and 2.2 million on-demand streams.
Beenie Man’s album sold 500 units in the US in its inaugural week according to data shared with WMV by the Billboard sales tracker Luminate. Although the album didn’t secure a spot on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart, its lifetime sales reached 700 units, inclusive of previously released singles. Of this total, 100 units consisted of pure physical copies or downloads, and the album garnered 1.6 million on-demand streams during its first week and a cumulative 1.7 million over its lifetime.
Masicka’s debut album ‘438’, released independently, garnered 2,864 equivalent album units during its first week, including 733 copies sold in pure album sales and debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
So far, ‘438’ has sold 50,000 units according to Billboard since December 3, 2021, making it one of the most successful independent dancehall releases of all time.
The Billboard reggae chart ranks the most popular albums, as compiled by Luminate, based on multi-metric consumption blending traditional album sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming (audio + video) equivalent album units.
Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Dec. 16, 2023, dated chart will be available on December 12, 2023
In a conversation with Billboard, Masicka explained his decision to sign with Def Jam for “Generation Of Kings,” citing the label’s commitment to a culture of direction and empowerment for artists. He expressed admiration for CEO Tunji Balogun, commending both his vision and humility.
Masicka revealed that the decision to sign took about a year and a half of discussions, during which he appreciated Balogun’s work ethic and shared vision. Despite acknowledging that any endeavor involves risks, Masicka sees this collaboration as a positive and worthwhile venture.
Tunji Balogun, in a press release, highlighted Def Jam’s longstanding tradition of being the home for outstanding artists across the diverse spectrum of Black music. He emphasized that Masicka embodies this vision.
Furthermore, Tunji played a pivotal role in orchestrating the collaboration “Wet” with Fridayy, an effort that left a lasting impression on Masicka.
