LUVANMUSIQ," the new album from Atlantic recording artist Musiq Soulchild, has made an impressive debut at #1 on the Billboard 200, as well as topping the "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart, with first week sales of nearly 150,000.  "LUVANMUSIQ" marks Musiq's Atlantic label debut and the multi-platinum artist's first new album in over three years.

"This is a fantastic affirmation of Musiq's stature as one of the true soul icons of his generation," said Warner Music Group Executive Vice President Kevin Liles.  "After three years away from the scene, he has delivered an inspired album infused with honesty, emotion, and soul, and his fans have welcomed him back with open arms.  This is an exciting and gratifying moment for all of us at WMG and Atlantic, and I want to dedicate this achievement to Ahmet Ertegun, who always said that the world's music is black American music.  Congratulations to Musiq for carrying on the extraordinary legacy that Ahmet has left us." 

"I want to send a special shout-out and huge thanks to everybody for making 'LUVANMUSIQ' the #1 album in the country," said Musiq Soulchild.  "I couldn't have asked for a better re-introduction to the game, and it feels so good to know that I can make music that people care about and want to support. Thanks so much, and God bless."

The blockbuster success of "LUVANMUSIQ" is being fueled by the hit single, "Buddy."  It hits #2 this week on both Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" and "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay" charts.  The song also broke into the top ten at Urban mainstream radio this week, while leaping to #16 on Billboard's "Hot 100 Airplay" chart.  

Musiq and "Buddy" are also lighting up the TV airwaves, including a performance last Friday, March 16^th, on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  The song's companion video is the #1 clip at BET, where it is in Heavy rotation. Musiq recently performed live on two of the network's top-rated shows - 106 & Park and the annual Rip The Runway extravaganza.  The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter is slated to appear on BET's The Black Carpet, airing this tomorrow, March 22^nd, at 7:30 pm EDT (check local listings).  In addition, Musiq is now featured on BET.com's "Discover Music," including an exclusive interview and live performance of "Buddy."  He also hosted two half-hour "In Video" specials for BETJ, which aired in early March.

Elsewhere, Musiq was featured in VH1's "Hear Music First" campaign and participated in their program.  "Buddy" is in "Power" rotation at VH1 Soul, where Musiq recently hosted an installment of the channel's Soul Story.  In addition, the video has just been upped in rotation at MTVu and has been added at MTV Hits.

"LUVANMUSIQ" represents another milestone in Atlantic Records' storied history as home to the most innovative, compelling, and enduring artists in soul and R&B.  The album sees the Philadelphia-raised artist continuing to develop his own unique sound, a distinctly modern melding of 70s soul, classic funk grooves, and hip-hop swagger. 

Musiq is now partnering with Courvoisier as part of the House of Courvoisier (HOC) Music Room Tour.   The shows see the soul sensation performing live at a series of intimate HOC concerts, with dates running through an April 15^th date in Detroit.