Producer Maurice Linton Collects Billboard Plaque For Alkaline’s ‘Top Prize’ Album
Dancehall artist Alkaline’s sophomore album, Top Prize, is certainly the gift that keeps on giving.
In an Instagram post yesterday, Maurice Linton of Armz House Records—one of the host of producers that contributed to the 14-track project —showed off a Billboard plaque for his contribution on the single Maniac. The award commemorates Top Prize’s debut at the No. 2 position on the Billboard Reggae Album chart during the week of May 29, 2021.
Elated by the accomplishment, Linton shared the occasion on social media.
“As a creator of sound, it’s empowering to be able to live through moments such as this,” he wrote. “Having the opportunity to witness the growth of this body of work is beyond measure. Nothing is sure, however, one things’ for certain, good music, by the very definition of the word, will always be rewarded.”
The other Top Prize producers, who are also eligible to receive their own plaques are SartOut Productions (Nuh Trust Mankind, Payroll, Magic), Autobamb Records (Top Prize, Medicine), Ajus Di Vybz (Ah), Gego Don Records (Deh Suh), Studio Vibes Entertainment (More Life, Heat A Di Moment), Tru Ambassador (Ocean Wave, Hostage), CountreeHype Entertainment (Cree), and True Loyal Records (Twerc).
With pre-released hits like the flagship track Top Prize, Cree, and Ocean Wave, Alkaline’s latest LP was destined to leave some kind of musical imprint upon its launch. When the album was officially released independently on May 14, standout tracks like Maniac, Hostage, and Magic would help surge its entry on the music charts and position it as the most commercially successful Dancehall album of the year, so far.
Alkaline entered four (4) Billboard charts, including the No. 2 debut on the Reggae Albums chart, which combines streaming and sales in the United States. The album also entered the Billboard Current Album Sales chart at No. 56 after it received 1,527 copies in pure album sales and 2,957 units in total consumption from sales and streams in the US after its first week.
In addition, the album debuted at No. 19 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, which highlights and ranks the sales by new and developing musical recording artists each week, plus Alkaline entered the Billboard Emerging Artists chart at No. 37, which highlights the top-performing rising acts each week.
Top Prize followed Alkaline’s debut album, New Level Unlocked which enjoyed a No. 1 debut with 741 copies sold in the first week, five years ago.
Alkaline, born Earlan Bartley, told the Miami New Times in a recent interview that his latest album represents rising amidst adversity. “With the pandemic right now, it’s like a time where everybody has to rise to the occasion. We have to go out there and go for the top prize,” he said.
“Top Prize is whatever goal you want to achieve. It’s rising and exceeding expectations. And just enjoy the whole process, the whole journey,” he continued.
It’s a true reflection as seen with Maurice Linton. The single Maniac has amassed over 1.6 million streams since it was released on May 13. Now he has the plaque to show for his hard work and contribution to the album’s success.