Alpha

Alpha (stylized in all caps) is the debut studio album by Jamaican musician and singer Shenseea. It was released on 11 March 2022, through Rich Immigrants and Interscope Records. It includes guest appearances from 21 Savage, Beenie Man, Megan Thee Stallion, Offset, Sean Paul, and Tyga. Production was handled by long-time producer Rvssian, London on da Track, Scott Storch, among others.Schube, Will (12 March 2022). "Shenseea Releases Debut Album, 'Alpha'". uDiscoverMusic.
Alpha debuted at number one on the iTunes Top 100 Reggae Albums, receiving praise for its crossover in predominantly dancehall, reggae and hip hop. Shenseea's manager, Romeich Major, shared in a press statement: "There are so many different producers ... so many talents. I'm in love with all the songs, so it's hard for me to choose one. Each song stands on its own. If you want carnival vibes, it's there; if yuh believe inna God, if you want raunchy dancehall, Afrobeats, it is all there. Remember, Shenseea is a versatile artiste ... she sings, raps and deejays ... and the album has all the elements".Peru, Yasmine (12 March 2022). "Shenseea's 'Alpha' Debuts at #1 on iTunes Reggae Albums Chart". The Gleaner.
== Background ==
After several years of releasing singles, in 2019 she signed to Interscope Records' imprint label, Rich Immigrants.Elsiddig, Walaa (6 March 2022). "'I Didn't Skip No Line or Disrupt the Algorithm': The Remarkable Rise of Shenseea". Rolling Stone. Her album was originally scheduled to released in 2021, though was put on hold due to the global pandemic. She explained to PopSugar, "I wanted people to be outside enjoying the songs. It was a stressful time where there was a pause on entertainment".Lucas, Reilly (11 March 2022). "Shenseea Is Ready to Conquer the World with Her "ALPHA" Debut Album". PopSugar.
While her singles moved towards the direction of pop, different from her usual dancehall artistry, the conscious decision received backlash from fans who thought she was abandoning her culture. She reasoned of wanting to go international, and branch out into different genres as she already did a lot of dancehall. Upon the album's release, it still retained her dancehall roots. Concerning features from Sean Paul and Beenie Man, she explained how it was "important to put the OGs on my album", which shaped her artistry. Additionally, she did not have to pay for any of the guest appearances on her album, where everything was done out of mutual respect.Wally, Maxine (20 May 2022). "Shenseea's Pop Star Ambitions Know No Bounds". W. She collaborated with many producers, noting to Refinery29, "[Rvssian] didn't lock me down and say, 'you can only do the album with me since you're signed with me.' [...] I love that freedom".Taylor, Sharine (14 April 2022). "Shenseea Isn't Abandoning Dancehall — She's Just Doing It All". Refinery29. She confessed that each song was experimental, and she selected the best tracks "that brought out a different side of me".Williams, Kyann-Sian (14 March 2022). "Shenseea: Jamaica's Dancehall Hero Plots Out a Path to Superstardom". NME.
== Singles ==
Title 	Released
"Blessed" 	May 22, 2019
"Lick" 	January 21, 2022
"R U That" 	February 17, 2022
"Deserve It"	March 3, 2022
== Critical reception ==
Dean Van Nguyen of Pitchfork was mixed in their review, noting, "It's far removed from Shenseea, the blistering dancehall phenom—but Shenseea, the rising pop star, made the commercially minded album she needed. Once its cycle is complete, more interesting terrain may lie further from the demands of the industry".Van Nguyen, Dan (21 March 2022). "Shenseea: Alpha". Pitchfork. DancehallMag contributor Claudia Gardner praised the album, calling it "brilliant" and distinct.Gardner, Claudia (11 March 2022). "Shenseea: 'Alpha' Album Review". Dancehall Mag.
The Guardians Rachel Aroesti was more critical, remarking of its profane lyrics that occasionally turn the tracks into "unintentional comedy", though conceded, "but usually it feels like a suitable accompaniment to the uninhibited, thundering energy of her music". She added that the collaborations added a great strength to the point that the solo tracks felt slightly weighed down, and applauded Shenseea's ability in cross-genres.Aroesti, Rachel (11 March 2022). "Shenseea: Alpha Review – Thundering Energy, Staggering Profanity". The Guardian.
== Title ==
Initially, Shenseea thought of naming the album Eleanor, after her late mother. She ultimately decided against this, as she didn't want to remind herself of her mother's death every time she spoke about the record. This led to the new title, Alpha, which represents her strong, fierce and dominant personality.Elsiddig, Walaa (13 July 2022). "Focused Shenseea Is Ready to Shine". Billboard.
She told PopSugar of the title, "I always called myself an alpha because of my mindset. Everything that resonates with the word resonates with me". She continued to NME, "But I feel like people aren't open to change until they see something works. So, as an alpha, I am open to putting myself out there and exercising my passion and seeing what else I've got inside me".
== Track listing ==
== Charts ==
Chart (2022) 	Peakposition
US Reggae Albums (Billboard) 	
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)	
== References ==
Category:Albums
Category:Alpha
Category:Studio albums