KSI Scores Four Number Ones in the UK With Debut Album Dissimulation

British YouTuber, professional boxer and hip hop sensation KSI - signed to BMG’s LA-based rap label RBC Records - has scored the UK’s #1 streaming album, #1 download album, #1 independent album and best-selling album in the week with his debut album Dissimulation, released by BMG.

In a dramatic chart battle with UK rock band The 1975, KSI generated a sales total of over 27,000 albums in the week, compared with an estimated 13,000 for The 1975, but the Watford, Hertfordshire, rapper was pipped to the #1 position in the Official UK Albums Chart after The 1975 registered pre-sales of around 21,000.

Dissimulation’s sales total was 93% digital thanks to his wild popularity on streaming services where his album’s tracks account for 11 of the UK’s 100 most streamed tracks this week, led by ‘Houdini’ which is #15 in this week’s Official UK Singles Chart.

BMG UK VP of marketing Gemma Reilly-Hammond said: “To be #1 four times over in the UK and #1 in Ireland is an incredible testament to the work of our colleagues in LA and London. Above all, of course, it’s a huge victory for KSI, a unique talent in so many fields, a truly 21st century entertainer.”

Brian Shafton, SVP Record Music BMG LA and RBC Records co-founder added: “When we first started this process some six months ago, we had an impending boxing match against Logan Paul where Las Vegas had us as severe underdogs.  KSI defied all of the oddsmakers to win the fight.  That was a defining moment for us. Every step of the we have defied the odds and had success beyond what we even thought was possible. Four times #1 in the UK and #1 in Ireland. It speaks for itself. Congratulations, KSI.”