STEEL PULSE TOPS BILLBOARD REGGAE ALBUM CHART WITH “MASS MANIPULATION!”

By Kevin Jackson—
Observer writer—

On their seventh attempt, veteran British band Steel Pulse has topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. The group is number one with Mass Manipulation, which was released on May 17 by Rootfire Cooperative/Wiseman Doctrine.

Mass Manipulation is their first album since 2004’s African Holocaust which peaked at number nine. The group also charted with Vex (number seven in 1994), Rage and Fury (number four in 1997), Rastanthology (number 10 in 1998), Ultimate Collection(number 14 in 2000) and Living Legacy (number 11 in 2000).

Shaggy’s Wah Gwaan? holds steady at number two where it debuted last week, while Koffee’s Rapture leaps from number seven to three. It has been in the Top 10 for nine weeks.

The various artistes album, Life of A Ghetto Youth: Chapter 2 released by VAS Productions LLC, enters at number four. Released May 17, the 15-track set features songs by Sizzla, his son Meleku, Pressure Buss Pipe, Orlando Octave, Marlon Asher, Anthony B and Izac King.

The Nighthawk Recordings by Culture, which peaked at number two more than one month ago, is back in the Top 10 at number five.

The self-titled album from Iration falls to number six in its 44th week on the chart, while 44/876 by Sting and Shaggy slides to number seven. The latter has been on the chart for 57 weeks, missing the Top 10 for only one week.

Jemere Morgan, son of Morgan Heritage member Gramps, earns his second entry on the chart with Self Confidence,which enters at number eight. Jemere peaked at number two in 2017 with Transition. The 15-song album Self Confidence features collaborations with Stu Stapleton, Sheldon Palmer, Keba, and Morgan Heritage. It is released by Dada Son Entertainment.

Everyday Life Everyday People by Slightly Stoopid re-enters the chart at number nine, while Free Rein by Rebelution tumbles from number four to 10.