Popcaan cracks Billboard 200 - Also makes former US President Obama’s playlist

Dancehall artiste Popcaan is today enjoying two major international breakthroughs after making it on to the Billboard Top 200 chart, and former US President Barack Obama's 2020 summer playlist. The 'Unruly'Boss' achieved both highs through his recently released compilation, Fixtape. Fixtape made its debut on the coveted Billboard chart landing in the number 94 spot, while Popcaan debuted on Obama's highly anticipated summer playlist with his song Twist and Turn, which features Canadian rappers Drake and PartyNextDoor.

Speaking with THE STAR, Popcaan's sister, Squid, said the entire Unruly camp has been overwhelmed at her brother's achievements. She said that having seen the hard work Popcaan poured into the project, she is happy he's reaping the fruits of his labour. " Fixtape is doing so great, but I'm not surprised because I knew it would -- the team effort, the hard work, the dedication that went into it. That, along with my brother's creativity and talent, I knew it would do well," she said. "I couldn't be any prouder of him. This man is a living legend that's doing it big for our culture. All this success is a really great feeling for the whole team. We will be celebrating the Fixtape every day for the rest of the year."

This is not the first time that Popcaan has tasted Billboard success. Back in 2012, the artiste debuted at number 89 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart for his hit single, Only Man She Want. He has also landed in top spots on the Billboard Reggae charts on numerous occasions.

Squid said the team had only begun soaking in the joy of Fixtape making it on to the Billboard Top 200 albums chart when she heard about her brother making it on to Obama's playlist. She said the latter sent the team into overdrive as far as emotions were concerned. "The team is beyond exhilarated right now. All we can say is, God is amazing," she said.

Congratulatory messages

Jamaicans, both local and international, have joined in on the celebration. Since news broke that the Firm and Strong singer was on Obama's coveted summer playlist, social media has been flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues alike. The celebrations were made sweeter as Popcaan was joined on the list by the likes of 'Grammy Kid' Koffee, and reggae legend Bob Marley. Koffee, who was making the list for the second year in a row, was featured for her collaboration with R&B crooner John Legend, titled Don't Walk Away, while Bob Marley made the list for his timeless classic, Could You Be Loved.

Popcaan has been making big moves on the international music scene for the past few years. He has had several collaborations with international artistes, including French Montana, Davido and Gorillaz. He has also collaborated with Drake on a number of songs. He signed to the Canadian rapper's OVO record label in 2018, making him the only Jamaican artiste on the label.