Smokie Norful scores #1 debut with new release

While he has been capturing the hearts of listeners for 18 months, Gospel Music's newest sensation, Smokie Norful, has once again captured the #1 position on Billboard's Top Selling Gospel Chart as his latest release, Limited Edition, debuts at #1.

At the same time, Norful's best-selling debut, I Need You Now, lands in the #4 position on the same chart. An impressive feat for a relative newcomer, Norful now finds himself in the company of Gospel stars Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams as the only Gospel artists to have two projects in the Top 5 on Billboard's Top Selling Gospel Chart simultaneously. More significantly, this marks the first time ever that a Gospel artist has occupied two of the Billboard Gospel Top 5 positions with non-holiday releases.

The impact of Limited Edition is being felt across the board as the project also debuts at #3 on Billboard's Christian Chart, #24 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart, and #90 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart.

Comprised of five tracks recorded live at Norful's Chicago-based home church, as well as a breathtaking rendition of the Christmas classic "O Holy Night," Limited Edition serves as a bridge between his best-selling debut, I Need You Now, and his forthcoming sophomore release in 2004. An enhanced CD, Limited Edition also contains the "I Need You Now" music video.

Having experienced overwhelming success as a new artist, the release of Limited Edition is an extension of a "thank you" campaign whereby Smokie wishes to convey his gratitude to everyone who has been instrumental in his success.