Sean Paul, Matisyahu reggae's top acts in '06

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Sean Paul led Billboard's reggae albums chart for a second consecutive year, while the top artist in the genre was newcomer Matisyahu, a Hasidic Jew who enjoyed mainstream popularity with his strident tune "King Without a Crown."

Paul's "The Trinity" may have been released in September 2005, but it sold well into 2006 thanks to the single "Temperature," a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in April. He was No. 2 on the reggae artists recap for the year.

New Yorker Matisyahu's album "Live at Stubb's," which spawned the rock-radio hit "King Without a Crown," was No. 2 on the year-end tally; "Youth," which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 pop albums chart in March, was No. 3 for the year.

The Marley family rounded out the top-five: Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley was No,. 4 with his Grammy-winning "Welcome to Jamrock," while Bob Marley and the Wailers were No. 5 with "Africa Unite: The Singles Collection." The elder Marley, who died 25 years ago, logged two other albums in the top-15: "Gold" (with the Wailers) at No. 6 and "20 Best of Bob Marley" at No. 15.

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Sinead O'Connor also had an impact on reggae in 2005, as their respective albums "Countryman" and "Throw Down Your Arms" finished at No. 10 and No. 11.

Reuters/Billboard