Diggy Address Low First Week Album Sales

Diggy Simmons isn’t about to let low sales of his debut album, Unexpected Arrival, get him down. Although the LP only sold 21,000 units, landing at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, the mature 17-year-old isn’t hurt by it.

"It’s about growth,” Diggy told blogger Karen Civil. “You look at a whole bunch of people. Look at [Jay-Z’s first album] Reasonable Doubt, when that first came out, that wasn’t anything. And look at Jay now. You could look at Bruno [Mars] recently. When Doo Wops & Hooligans came out, like 50,000 first work and ended up going double plat.”

"It’s about growth for me,” he continued. “I’m happy that the people who are listening to it are loving it. It’s like having an impact on your life and making them want to aspire to be whatever it is they want to be. Because that’s what Unexpected Arrival is about, it’s about making your arrival in life special.”

Despite the low sales numbers, Unexpected Arrival did spawn two singles in the sugary sweet, Jeremih-assisted “Do It Like You” and “88,” which features Jadakiss. “Do It Like You” enjoyed a lengthy stay on BET’s 106 & Park countdown,  and was definitely a hit amongst young female fans.

“No matter what people say or if they don’t know what you’re capable of,” the young Simmons continued telling Civil. “It starts with the belief in you before you try to go and look for other people’s approval. I’m happy that it’s doing that for people."—Jakinder Singh