Shenseea’s ‘Alpha’ debuts at #1 on iTunes Reggae Albums chart

Alpha is out and the reviews are in.

Not surprisingly, the Shenyeng Princess has found favour with her subjects, with many of them gushing over her versatility and applauding Alpha’s # 1 debut on the iTunes Top 100 Reggae Albums chart. As for the naysayers, Hot New Hip Hop noted, “Shenseea’s Alpha album has Twitter taking back their prior doubt in the singer.”

Alpha delivers 14 tracks, with collabs from Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Tyga, Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage and Offset and a few US outlets have commented on its “thundering energy [and] staggering profanity”. The Guardian, however, was a bit less contrary. Its review stated in part, “With a hypnotic flow of eye-wateringly blunt lyrics, the 25-year-old’s debut heralds Jamaican dancehall’s next big crossover star.”

Producer Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards, who has worked with an outstanding array of dancehall, reggae and Afrobeats artistes, is happy at the album’s decided crossover element.

“What I really like about Shenseea’s album is that it is in the reggae genre and that really gives the genre a boost. I like the fact that she has two of dancehall’s biggest names in Sean Paul and Beenie Man on the album and I like the fact that she mixes it up with some hip-hop stars for that crossover appeal,” Edwards told The Gleaner.

He continued, “So, this really opens up a lot more doors for reggae and dancehall artistes and it opens up a lot more doors for our female artistes, so I am proud of her accomplishment as a Jamaican and as somebody else in the industry. It debuted at number one on the iTunes Reggae charts, overthrowing Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers (Remastered). I saw it as high as number 25 in All Genres of iTunes albums and I am very proud of what she has accomplished.”

DIVERSE ALBUM

In an interview with The Gleaner on Thursday, Shenseea’s manager, Romeich Major, made it a point to speak to Alpha’s diversity.

“There are so many different producers ... so many talents. I’m in love with all the songs, so it’s hard for me to choose one. Each song stands on its own. If you want carnival vibes, it’s there; if yuh believe inna God, if you want raunchy dancehall, Afrobeats, it is all there. Remember, Shenseea is a versatile artiste ... she sings, raps and deejays ... and the album has all the elements,” Romeich declared.

Over on social media, Shenseea has been getting thumbs up and heart emojis from peers and fans alike.

Ce’cile, however, went a step further and used the opportunity to say exactly how good she felt after listening to Alpha.

“Okay..Shenseea....I went straight to Henkel. And I felt so [expletive] proud. Meeeda Bex if a pure foreign sitten.... This feels like Beenie at his best and I’m glad ur roots is there. The reggae with Sean Paul has a unique stamp on it. It’s you. Yes, mi proud of you. Target bad. Hangover niceeee. I’ma have to keep listening these for a minute. But mi hear Jamaica, mi hear we culture and mi hear you, in all the ways you can be. #solid. Mi did worried for a bit. Well, u haven’t left us. My fav is Body Count BTW. GREAT JOB @romeichentertainment,” Ce’cile wrote.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com