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Dave has made history, becoming the first British rap artist to debut three albums at number one on the UK’s official charts.
His latest release, “The Boy Who Played The Harp,” ousted Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” from the top position, successfully holding off competition from Lily Allen’s highly anticipated “West End Girl.”
According to the Official UK Charts Company, the album also achieved the distinction of being the fastest-selling rap album on vinyl this century, with 15,500 copies sold since its release last Friday.
Adding to his success, Dave’s previous two albums have re-entered the top 40, marking him as the first British rap artist to have three entries in the chart simultaneously.
“The Boy Who Played The Harp” explores potent religious themes, with its title referencing the biblical figure of King David.
Upon announcing the album’s release, Dave stated that David’s “story and search for purpose” served as his guide, noting his significant growth in the four years since his last album.
The album’s fourth track, “Chapter 16,” makes direct reference to the Book of Samuel and the moment David ascends to the throne.
Journalist Mimi Itseli, known as Mimi the Music Blogger, told BBC Newsbeat that the track “pays homage to why his mum named him David.”
She also believes the album’s themes resonate profoundly in the present day.
“Right now, in my opinion, he is the king of the scene,” she asserted.
Itseli hopes Dave’s openness about his religious beliefs will inspire fans to examine their own faith.
“Somebody can look into the Bible and think they don’t have to be a certain type of way,” she explained.
“The main part of it when it comes to religion is being right with God, rather than being self-righteous.”
Tola, 22, a long-time Dave fan, shared with Newsbeat her agreement that the album’s perspective on faith is “really important.”
“It speaks to the place that rap has to tell stories,” she stated.
Tola mentioned encountering commentary about the album on TikTok even before listening to it.
However, she believes Dave resisted the temptation, often fueled by social media, to create a quick and catchy hook during the writing process.
The tracks on the album range in length from three minutes to seven minutes and 51 seconds.
“There’s a part of our brain that loves that quick dopamine hit, but this album is really trying to get us to listen,” Tola observed.
“It isn’t so much about the melody or music, he’s telling us: ‘sit down, take those seven minutes.’
“Take a break, listen to this advice.”
Fellow UK rapper Stormzy has also achieved three number one albums, although 2019’s “Heavy is the Head” initially debuted at number two before reaching the top spot.
Itseli suggests that Dave’s three albums chart his artistic evolution.
“Psychodrama was the album for him to show who he is,” she explained.
“We’re All Alone In This Together was the album for him to show the artist that he is.
“This album’s showing the album for himself. It was just overhearing a conversation of his deep thoughts – even conversations with him and God.”
She characterizes each track on the album as representing “different versions of him.”
“His story is amazing because a lot of people can relate from being a boy in London, to even being a child of an immigrant, to being a black boy.
“People who’ve waited four years for this should take their time to listen.”
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here.
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