British YouTuber, professional boxer and hip hop sensation KSI has scored the UK’s #1 streaming album, #1 download album, #1 independent album and best-selling album in the week with his debut album Dissimulation, released by BMG.

In a dramatic chart battle with UK rock band The 1975, KSI generated a sales total of over 27,000 albums in the week, compared with an estimated 13,000 for The 1975, but the Watford, Hertfordshire, rapper was pipped to the #1 position in the Official UK Albums Chart after The 1975 registered pre-sales of around 21,000.

KSI did score the #1 in the Official Irish Albums Chart, however, knocking The 1975 into second place.

Dissimulation’s sales total was 93% digital thanks to his wild popularity on streaming services where his album’s tracks account for 11 of the UK’s 100 most streamed tracks this week, led by ‘Houdini’ which is #15 in this week’s Official UK Singles Chart.

KSI’s manager Mams Taylor said, “I'm a sucker for an underdog story. I was fully aware of the perception people had of KSI as an artist but I also knew what he was capable of and how we would change that perception with hard work and good music. This is just the beginning, watch!”

KSI said, “Hard work pays off. I'm lucky enough to love what I do and to do what I love. I'm honored and grateful that people are enjoying the album so much, I've been focused on it a lot and on making music in general. I have a long way to go but for now I'm going to take a second to celebrate how far I've come.”

KSI is signed to BMG’s LA-based rap label RBC Records.

BMG UK VP of Marketing Gemma Reilly-Hammond said, “To be #1 four times over in the UK and #1 in Ireland is an incredible testament to the work of our colleagues in LA and London. Above all, of course, it’s a huge victory for KSI, a unique talent in so many fields, a truly 21st century entertainer.”

Brian Shafton, SVP Record Music BMG LA and RBC Records co-founder said, “When we first started this process some six months ago, we had an impending boxing match against Logan Paul where Las Vegas had us as severe underdogs. KSI defied all of the oddsmakers to win the fight. That was a defining moment for us. Every step of the we have defied the odds and had success beyond what we even thought was possible. Four times #1 in the UK and #1 in Ireland. It speaks for itself. Congratulations, KSI.”