Juice WRLD’s ‘Legends Never Die’ Debuts At No.1, Breaks Records
The late artist’s album broke streaming records and stands as one of the most successful posthumous debuts ever.
As a testament to his enduring legacy and fervent fanbase, Juice WRLD’s new album, Legends Never Die, landed at the top of the Billboard 200 with the biggest week of album sales in 2020.
Released July 10 via Grade A Productions/Interscope Records, the critically-acclaimed artist’s third record not only stands as one of the most successful posthumous debuts ever – second only to Notorious B.I.G.’s Life After Death and Tupac’s R U Still Down, both from 1997 – but also marks the biggest album debut, in total consumption, since Taylor Swift’s massively successful Lover.
The album was also a best-seller across the globe, landing at No.1 in the UK, Canada, and Ireland, and debuting in the Top Five across multiple territories, including Australia, Germany, and Sweden. Streaming numbers for Legends Never Die also proved the late rapper’s popularity. Not only did the album have the biggest audio streaming week of the year, but it also had the fourth-biggest streaming week ever for an album – surpassing Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake.
Featuring 21 tracks, Legends Never Die includes such songs as “Wishing Well,” “Come & Go” with Marshmello, “Righteous,” “Tell Me U Luv Me” with Trippie Redd, and “Life’s a Mess,” featuring Halsey.
In addition to its commercial success, Legends Never Die was also embraced by critics. Rolling Stone proclaimed that the album “solidifies his legacy,” while Pitchfork hailed it as “bleak and beautiful.” Variety praised the LP as “positively lush” with moments of “pure magnificence.”
In a statement, Jarad “Juice WRLD” Higgins’’ mother, Carmela Wallace, and his Grade A family said, “The overwhelming love that millions of music fans clearly have for Jarad reminds us how much his poetic words, creativity, and bright light continues to shine throughout the world. This first collection of songs is a poignant reminder of his great artistic talent and emotional honesty.”
They continued, “Music was his passion and recording gave him the outlet to share everything he was going through. In addition to his music, Jarad’s legacy will continue to provide help to young people through his Live Free 999 Foundation. We are incredibly grateful to the fans who continue to uplift him every single day and our hope is that his words touch your life in a way that helps you through any challenges you may be facing.”
Wallace announced the establishment of the Live Free 999 Fund, earlier this year, in memory of her son, who died in December at the age of 21. The fund aims to support young people in their battles with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Legends Never Die is available now and can be bought here.
