New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - LUVANMUSIQ, the new album from Atlantic recording artist
Musiq Soulchild, has made an impressive debut at No 1 on the Billboard 200, as well as topping the 'Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums' chart, with first week sales of nearly 150,000. LUVANMUSIQ marks Musiq's Atlantic label debut and the multi-platinum artist's first new album in over three years.
'This is a fantastic affirmation of Musiq's stature as one of the true soul icons of his generation,' said Warner Music Group Executive Vice President Kevin Liles. 'After three years away from the scene, he has delivered an inspired album infused with honesty, emotion, and soul, and his fans have welcomed him back with open arms. This is an exciting and gratifying moment for all of us at WMG and Atlantic, and I want to dedicate this achievement to Ahmet Ertegun, who always said that the world's music is black American music. Congratulations to Musiq for carrying on the extraordinary legacy that Ahmet has left us.'
'I want to send a special shout-out and huge thanks to everybody for making LUVANMUSIQ the No 1 album in the country,' said Musiq Soulchild. 'I couldn't have asked for a better re-introduction to the game, and it feels so good to know that I can make music that people care about and want to support. Thanks so much, and God bless.'
The blockbuster success of LUVANMUSIQ is being fueled by the hit single, 'Buddy'. It hits No 2 this week on both Billboard's 'Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs' and 'Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay' charts. The song also broke into the top ten at Urban mainstream radio this week, while leaping to No 16 on Billboard's 'Hot 100 Airplay' chart.
Musiq and 'Buddy' are also lighting up the TV airwaves, including a performance last Friday, March 16th, on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The song's companion video is the No 1 clip at BET, where it is in Heavy rotation. Musiq recently performed live on two of the network's top-rated shows - 106 & Park and the annual Rip The Runway extravaganza. The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter is slated to appear on BET's The Black Carpet, airing this tomorrow, March 22nd, at 7:30 pm EDT (check local listings). In addition, Musiq is now featured on BET.com's 'Discover Music', including an exclusive interview and live performance of 'Buddy'. He also hosted two half-hour 'In Video' specials for BETJ, which aired in early March.
Elsewhere, Musiq was featured in VH1's 'Hear Music First' campaign and participated in their [email protected] program. 'Buddy' is in 'Power' rotation at VH1 Soul, where Musiq recently hosted an installment of the channel's Soul Story. In addition, the video has just been upped in rotation at MTVu and has been added at MTV Hits.
LUVANMUSIQ represents another milestone in Atlantic Records' storied history as home to the most innovative, compelling, and enduring artists in soul and R&B. The album sees the Philadelphia-raised artist continuing to develop his own unique sound, a distinctly modern melding of 70s soul, classic funk grooves, and hip-hop swagger.
Musiq is now partnering with Courvoisier as part of the House of Courvoisier (HOC) Music Room Tour. The shows see the soul sensation performing live at a series of intimate HOC concerts, with dates running through an April 15th date in Detroit.
Inspired by such icons as Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Ray Charles, Musiq made a blockbuster debut right out of the gate with 2000's acclaimed AIJUSWANASEING. Fueled by the breakthrough singles, 'Just Friends (Sunny)' and 'Love,' the album went on to earn RIAA platinum for sales exceeding 1 million. In addition, Musiq was honored with a number of awards, including Billboard Music Awards for 'Best New Artist,' 'Top R&B Artist,' 'Top R&B Male,' and 'Top R&B Single' (for 'Love'); the Soul Train Music Award for 'Best R&B/Soul Single' (for 'Love'); and the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for 'Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song' (for 'Love'). Further nominations came from the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, The Source Awards, BET Awards, and NAACP Awards.
In May 2002, Musiq unveiled his second album, JUSLISEN, which entered both the Billboard 200 and Billboard's 'Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums' chart at No 1. The collection, which featured a pair of hits in 'Dontchange' and 'Halfcrazy,' was soon certified RIAA platinum and again earned Musiq a variety of prestigious awards. Among the trophies were Soul Train Awards for 'Best R&B/Soul Album' and 'Best R&B/Soul Single' (for 'Dontchange'); an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for 'Award Winning Song' (for 'Dontchange'); and a BMI 'Urban' Award (for 'Halfcrazy'). What's more, Musiq received nominations from the Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
SOULSTAR, Musiq's third album, arrived one short year later and he was once again greeted with both critical and popular success. Hailed as one of the year's finest collections of contemporary R&B, the album featured two radio smashes, 'Forthenight' and 'Whoknows.' The winner of the Soul Train Awards' 'Best R&B/Soul Album,' SOULSTAR also reaped nods from the Grammy Awards and BET Awards.
In addition to the many honors he has received for his solo albums, Musiq also scored a 2004 Grammy Award nomination in the 'Best Urban Alternative Performance' category, acknowledging his take on the classic 'Are You Experienced?,' found on the POWER OF SOUL: A TRIBUTE TO JIMI HENDRIX collection. Other extracurricular efforts include contributing guest vocals to the Roots' 'Break You Off' (found on 2002's 'PHRENOLOGY') and Carlos Santana's 2002 'SHAMEN.'
