A GLASGOW teenager is at the coveted number 1 spot in the US this Christmas by writing and producing on a new album by a Grammy-winning R&B singer.
The album SOS by SZA has gone straight to the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, achieving the biggest streaming week ever in the US for an R&B album.
It also outsold Taylor Swift’s Midnights by more than two to one.
Blair Ferguson – who produces under the name BLK – co-wrote and co-produced the album track Snooze alongside multi-Grammy award winner and R&B legend Babyface.
Although Snooze has not been released as a single, the high volume of streams means that it’s entered the US singles chart at number 29.
On the Billboard Global chart, the song features at number 26, being played across the world more times than Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.
Blair, 19, said: “The reception to the SZA album has been extraordinary – to be part of it is to be part of musical history. I’m extremely blessed to achieve a Billboard number 1 so early in my career, and especially on such a wonderful album.
“It rounds off a fantastic year for me. I’ve worked with true legends of the hiphop and R&B world, both in LA and from here in Glasgow.”
Earlier in 2022, Blair secured his second Billboard Top 10 album credit, producing for rap artist Tory Lanez.
Blair also co-produced two tracks on Girls Night Out, the latest album by Babyface.
He has also made important new connections with top US producers Carter Lang and Khris Riddick-Tynes, as friends, collaborators and mentors.
The pair made key contributions to the SZA album.
Blair’s first Billboard Top 10 album credit came with Platinum-selling rap artist Lil Tecca in 2020 while he was 16 years of age, producing from his bedroom in the West End of Glasgow during lockdown.
Blair added: “At 16, I was entirely focused on playing basketball here in Scotland, with music production as a hobby.
“A knee injury forced me to concentrate on music. Three years later and I’m at a position in the industry that I could only have dreamed of.
“I hope my success gives encouragement to other producers and artists to be able to achieve their goals in the industry. Talent is important, but stay positive, keep believing in yourself, listen to the voices of experience and always stay professional.”
