Yaksta Marks Career-Best Debut as The Microphone Saved Me Hits No. 3

Reggae artiste's latest album earns his highest-ever U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums debut as he prepares to celebrate the project with YAKOUSTICS: The Album Jam Session

Yaksta marks a commercial milestone with sophomore album

When Yaksta first released “Roar,” followed by “The Return,” he made it clear he was crafting what he believed would be the greatest body of work of his career.

That vision is already paying off. During the week ending July 3, 2026, his sophomore album, The Microphone Saved Me, debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums chart, marking the Bush Lawd's strongest commercial debut to date.

Business partner and music industry veteran Lloyd Laing highlighted what he believes are several historic achievements surrounding the project.

"The Microphone Saved Me is reggae's first independent album released in the digital era without the backing of a major label, powered entirely by an independent artiste within his own ecosystem," Laing said. "It is the second reggae album since NO-MADDZ's The Trod to go direct-to-consumer and sell more than 1,000 copies. It is also the first independent reggae album to debut in the Top 5 of the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums chart, and it has positioned itself as the most successful independent reggae album of the summer."

Despite reaching a career milestone, Yaksta believes the journey is only just beginning. "Well, to be honest, there is always more work to be done. Mi nuh comfortable wid any score enuh, unless a number one. But mi grateful fi number three. There is always work to be done to show my fans that mi really appreciate all the effort dem put in and to show them that mi still a put in the work consistently. But overall, mi grateful fi everything," he said.

"First independent album released in the digital era without the backing of a major label"

Yaksta will officially celebrate the album's release with YAKOUSTICS: The Album Jam Session this Friday, July 10, at D'Luxe Restaurant and Lounge, where fans will get to experience the project in an intimate live setting.