Masicka’s Generation Of Kings Becomes the Most-Streamed Album in Apple Music Jamaica History

Masicka’s 2023 album Generation Of Kings has officially become the most-streamed album in Apple Music Jamaica history, surpassing the record previously held by his own project 438.

In addition to its streaming supremacy, Generation Of Kings has also become the longest-running Top 10 album in Apple Music Jamaica history, spending a remarkable two full years (731 days) inside the Top 10 on the Daily Chart without dropping out—a feat unmatched by any other artist.

Masicka “Generation Of Kings” album cover

Released by Def Jam Recordings on December 1, 2023, Generation Of Kings immediately captured the Jamaican market. It spent three straight months at No. 1 on Apple Music Jamaica before being dethroned in March 2024 by Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine. Despite losing the top spot, the album’s staying power remained unshaken, holding strong in the Top 10 every week since.

The project also made waves internationally. In the United States, it debuted with 3,500 album-equivalent units in its first week, according to Billboard’s tracking partner Luminate. This figure included 600 pure album sales and a massive 4,400,000 on-demand streams. On Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, Generation Of Kings peaked at No. 2, marking one of Masicka’s strongest U.S. chart showings to date.

A Turning Point in Masicka’s Career

Speaking at the Island Music Conference during a panel titled “So You Want A Record Deal”, Masicka explained that his decision to sign with Def Jam extended far beyond financial gain. Despite experiencing major success independently, he noted the inherent ceiling that comes with targeting the Caribbean market alone.

He credited 438—the album that Generation Of Kings has now surpassed—for sparking Def Jam’s interest. Its longevity and continued sales, he said, proved the quality and global potential of his music.

“I think the album played a major role in me signing,”
— Masicka

Masicka emphasized that record labels look for artists who bring a full package, not just good songs. The sustained performance of 438, still selling years after its release, demonstrated exactly that.

“Music does sell, it’s just the quality of the music. 438 sells up to this day. They liked the music, but where do I see myself in five years? Do you see yourself becoming a superstar and selling millions of records?”

Why Def Jam Made Sense

The 1Syde boss explained that after years of independently touring throughout the Caribbean—sometimes visiting countries six or seven times—he recognized the need for a broader team and infrastructure.

“I felt like I have done everything I could in the Caribbean. Doing it yourself is time-consuming, and then you need the right team,”
— Masicka

He also made it clear that preserving his creativity was non-negotiable. During contract negotiations, he ensured that his artistic identity, publishing terms, and control of his social platforms remained protected.

“First and foremost, creativity—I always wanted to ensure I kept who I was… I don’t need [the music] to change.”

Crossing Over Without Losing Identity

Masicka acknowledged the difficulty Caribbean artists face when trying to break into global markets. While he credited Def Jam for helping facilitate the crossover, he also stressed that artists must stay proactive.

“Me coming from the Caribbean, it’s very hard to cross over. The record label is good in a sense, but you can’t depend on the label to do everything.”