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Lincoln Roy scores surprise placement on iTunes Hip Hop and Rap Albums chart
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Culture & Society

Lincoln Roy scores surprise placement on iTunes Hip Hop and Rap Albums chart

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Dancehall and hip-hop artist Lincoln Roy has unexpectedly reached number five on the U.S. iTunes Hip Hop and Rap Albums chart.
  • The independent artist's achievement is notable as he is not backed by a major record label.
  • Roy attributes his success to God, fans, and his PR team, while his publicist highlights the symbolic victory over major labels with large budgets.

Dancehall and hip-hop fusion artist Lincoln Roy has surprised industry observers by securing the number five position on the United States' iTunes Hip Hop and Rap Albums chart, surpassing several international music stars.

Yow this is the proudest moment in my musical journey thus far. I have to say thanks to God, the fans and big respect to my PR Karl Durrant, Cruz and his team who made it happen.

— Lincoln RoyRoy expressed his gratitude and excitement upon learning about his chart placement.

Music insiders are particularly impressed by this accomplishment, given that Roy is an independent artist without the backing of a multi-billion dollar company. "Yow this is the proudest moment in my musical journey thus far. I have to say thanks to God, the fans and big respect to my PR Karl Durrant, Cruz and his team who made it happen," Roy stated in a release. He described his reaction to the news, received from Durrant immediately after a show in London, as needing to "sit down immediately."

When Durrant called me I had just exited the stage at my show in London and he sent me the chart and I literally had to sit down immediately. A greatness yuh zimmie. Who never know me ago know me now.

— Lincoln RoyRoy described his immediate reaction to the news of his chart success.

Karl Durrant, a publicist and marketing consultant, called the placement "very symbolic." He expressed that in his 20 years in the music industry, this is one of his proudest moments. Durrant noted the significance of an artist new to the mainstream charting above numerous superstars with a full album, not just a single. "We used a laptop and our connections to outdo international record labels with big budgets and unlimited resources. I think that is something to celebrate," he added.

In my 20 years in music it’s literally one of my proudest moments. This artiste is brand new to the mainstream and for him to chart above so many superstars with an album and not just a single has left me lost for words.

— Karl DurrantDurrant, Roy's publicist, shared his pride in the artist's achievement.

Born Devon Lincoln Roy Jones, the artist has roots in both Jamaica and Belize but has spent much of his life in the United States. He has been building his career in the underground hip hop, rap, and dancehall scenes across the U.S. and Jamaica. Roy's music is a reflection of his multicultural background, with Los Angeles influencing his hip-hop style and business approach, Belize contributing to his cultural foundation, and Jamaica representing his grandfather's roots. He describes his sound as a "melting pot of sounds" embodying his Caribbean heritage.

We used a laptop and our connections to outdo international record labels with big budgets and unlimited resources. I think that is something to celebrate.

— Karl DurrantDurrant highlighted the significance of an independent artist competing with major labels.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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