To absolutely no one’s surprised, Nicki Minaj’s new album Pink Friday 2 had a great first-week debut on the Billboard album charts. Moreover, according to new metrics from Chart Data, the project is set to sell 222K units in this timeframe, placing it at the No. 1 spot on the charts. She must be very happy with this outcome, regardless of whether or not she believes in the power of angel numbers. Other placements on this week’s album chart are also unsurprising: Taylor Swift (thrice in the top 10), Drake, Morgan Wallen, SZA, and so on. Congrats to the Trinidadian MC for closing out 2023 with another No. 1 hip-hop LP, one of the few we got this year.
Furthermore, she is showing no signs of slowing her roll down in the near future. In fact, Nicki Minaj recently teased a long-anticipated spectacle for her Barbz, one that’s been in the works for a while. But she kept things clear and optimistic when relaying that she’s still hard at work on her documentary. Considering the 41-year-old’s massively impactful career and her staggering trajectory, such a tale should be a compelling look into this success.
On the other hand, she is also getting ready for her world tour in 2024, something that the Barbz have begged for incessantly for a long, long time. Finally, it seems like Nicki Minaj is ready to fully embrace the stage once again, fueled by this newfound wealth of material. Of course, we would expect her to run through her stacked catalog of hits too, but to see her in a new era is the most exciting of these prospects. If you’re thinking about buying a ticket, act fast; we’d only expect them to get tougher to purchase from here on out.
Meanwhile, what remains to be seen now is whether the “Let Me Calm Down” hitmaker landed a No. 1 song on the charts. With a couple of different smashes to choose from, it would be pretty interesting to see which one lands on top from all the tracks on Pink Friday 2, even if it doesn’t nab the highest placement. Let us know your predictions on that end in the comments section down below. Also, stay logged into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Nicki Minaj.
Drake’s For All The Dogsis probably going to have at least one more song from it go No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts; it’s Drizzy, after all. Moreover, he already cinched one of those with its lead single, the SZA-assisted “Slime You Out,” and there are plenty of other successful tracks that either deserve or could commercially nab the top spot on the charts this week. However, it’s really a race between two songs that are performing the best right now sales-wise. These are the J. Cole collab “First Person Shooter,” their first in about ten years, and the Yeat-dominant “IDGAF,” their first collaboration ever.
As you can probably guess, there are a lot of “firsts” involved in this saga, and that’s not even the most important one. J. Cole and Yeat’s features are actually head-to-head for their first number one hit ever on the Billboard Hot 100. Even though it’s not one of their solo tracks, it would still be an amazing achievement for either artist. The rage sensation would get it and cement his place as a top dog in the game right now, whereas the Dreamville artist could finally nab one of the very few accomplishments that his decades-long career is missing.
Of course, this also represents a bit of a curious and almost metaphorical showdown. Will the buzzing banger win, representative of a new generation, or will the lyrically dense performance from J. Cole come out on top, showing that the pen is the ultimate mark of a great song? Either way, it’s fair to say that both tracks deserve the accolade, and we’re sure there are no hard feelings between the two artists. As for Drake, even though both his features outperformed him on these tracks in this writer’s opinion, the album’s success is probably drowning that out right now.
Meanwhile, it’s important to address the following in this conversation: chart placements don’t matter, at least artistically. No amount of sales can match the excitement that these team-ups brought to fans, and they’d still love it with just ten streams or ten billion. So whatever happens come Billboard‘s updated charts, let’s praise that J. Cole and Yeat actually put some effort into what many view as a relatively effortless project. Hopefully they take turns throughout a couple of weeks and they can both reach this milestone. For more news on them and Drake, stay up to date on HNHH.
Drake and SZA’s “Slime You Out” kicked off the soon-to-come release of Drizzy’s album For All The Dogs, and got him one step closer to the history books. Moreover, that song went No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, marking his twelfth number one hit and putting him right up there with the legendary Michael Jackson. He has thirteen chart-topping tracks, which means the Toronto rapper is now just one song away from tying him for the fourth-most number ones in Billboard history so far. If you’re curious, he’s currently tied with Madonna and The Supremes for the fifth spot.
Of course, it’s fair to assume that one more track from For All The Dogs might just cinch this achievement for the 36-year-old. Given that his career shows no signs of slowing down, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him work his way up. Ahead of Drake are frequent collaborator Rihanna (14 number ones) and Mariah Carey (19 number ones). At the very top of the list are The Beatles, who have 20 tracks that claimed the top spot across their discography.
In addition, this also marks one of the only hip-hop-adjacent songs that went No. 1 on Billboard this year- the second, to be exact. The first was Doja Cat’s “Paint The Town Red,” which ended a drought in this metric for the genre that existed since Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl.” Furthermore, this history sparked a hotly contested conversation around whether rap is a “dying” style, something that artists like Drake continue to disprove. It might not have the same chart-topping record as previous years, but it’s also the calm after a storm that dominated the early 2020s and mid-to-late 2010s. As such, we can’t really complain.
Meanwhile, the OVO superstar also has a lot to look back on and appreciate when it comes to his career. His 2013 album Nothing Was The Same, which established him as a top dog in the game, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. While reflecting on his previous success, we’ll see if his future one puts The Boy right next to MJ. For more news and the latest updates on Drake and Michael Jackson, stay logged into HNHH.
2019 was a phenomenal year filled with rap hits, as unconventional bangers closed out the decade. As social media, particularly TikTok, continued to shape the way music was consumed, Hip Hop saw a surge in diverse offerings. By 2019, the mumble rap subgenre also took the world by storm, although its critics were abundant. The year also saw interesting collaborations between rap artists and musicians from other genres. Most notably, “Old Town Road,” the genre-defying hit dominated charts across the globe.
Women in rap also enjoyed great success in the 2010s, and 2019 was no exception. Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Lizzo, and Nicki Minaj successfully blurred the lines between rap and pop, showcasing their exceptional international appeal.
Besides housing some of the best rap hits of the decade, 2019 also dealt some devastating blows to the Hip Hop community. The genre said goodbye to Nipsey Hussle, who left a lasting impact during his time. Also, newcomer Juice WRLD was unable to unlock his full potential due to his untimely passing. Nonetheless, Hip Hop had been at an all-time high in the late 2010s, and 2019 further solidified this.
“Wow” was released in December 2018, as the lead single from Post Malone’s third studio album, Hollywood’s Bleeding. The song features production elements that characterize Malone’s signature sound, blending elements of Hip Hop and pop. On the celebratory track, Malone reflects on his success, fame, and the lifestyle that comes with all of it. After its release, “Wow” quickly gained traction and became a commercial success. It would have climbed to the very top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but was restricted from doing so by Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings.” It was able to claim the top spot on the Hot Rap Songs chart, however, and stayed there for one week.
This collaborative effort by Cardi B and Bruno Mars combines elements of Hip Hop and R&B. What resulted was a smooth and seductive track. “Please Me” is known for its catchy and memorable chorus, which contributed to making the song one of the hottest rap hits of 2019. The song received positive reviews from critics, and was praised for its retro-inspired sound. Furthermore, the chemistry between Cardi B and Bruno Mars was lauded. Upon its release, “Please Me” was a success, reaching high positions on various music charts. On the Hot 100 chart, it peaked at number three, and on the Hot Rap Songs chart, it peaked at number one for one week.
Travis Scott’s “Highest in the Room” is his second solo appearance atop the Hot Rap Songs chart after 2018’s “Sicko Mode.” The song remains one of Scott’s most successful and recognizable rap hits. The single also contributed to further establishing the rapper as a prominent figure in contemporary Hip Hop. Upon its release, “Highest in the Room” became a cultural phenomenon, and was embraced by both critics and the general audience. Its hypnotic sound appealed to a wide demographic, which in turn, brought it significant commercial success. “Highest in the Room” debuted at number one on both the Hot 100 chart and the Hot Rap Songs chart.
“Roxanne” by Arizona Zervas was a viral hit on TikTok. It also played a significant role in the growth of Zervas’ musical career. The song was independently released by Zervas, and gradually gained popularity on social media platforms. Eventually, it became one of the defining rap hits of 2019. “Roxanne” is characterized by its catchy beat, as well as its relatable lyrics. The single tells the story of a tumultuous relationship with a woman named Roxanne. The song has achieved multi-platinum certification, and peaked at number four on the Hot 100 chart in 2019. It stayed on top of the Hot Rap Songs chart for four weeks as well.
Lizzo may have seemingly burst onto the scene with “Truth Hurts,” but her success was not overnight. The artist had been putting in work for quite some time before her breakthrough single sent her atop the charts. “Truth Hurts” was first released in 2017, but did not chart until two years later. In 2019, after a re-release, the song was finally appreciated by the masses and became a commercial and critical success. Another one of many rap hits to go viral on TikTok, Lizzo saw a huge surge in popularity in 2019. “Truth Hurts” is now certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA, and peaked at number one on the Hot 100. It was easily one of the biggest rap hits of 2019 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart for an outstanding 13 weeks.
“Sunflower” was one of the singles released from the soundtrack of the animated film, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. The song was prominently featured in the film, where it served as the theme song for the main character, Miles Morales. The track’s inclusion in the film contributed to its popularity. “Sunflower,” one of many Diamond-certified hits by Malone, was the first song to top the Hot Rap Songs chart in 2019. Moreover, it enjoyed the top spot for 11 non-consecutive weeks.
This groundbreaking song is one of the defining tracks of the 2010s. “Old Town Road” is notable for its fusion of multi-genre elements, blending trap and pop with a country-inspired beat. This genre-crossing approach was both innovative and controversial, but in the long run, helped secure Lil Nas X firmly in the mainstream. Billy Ray Cyrus lent his star power on the song, effectively broadening the song’s appeal to a much larger audience. “Old Town Road” was a commercial juggernaut, achieving diamond certification and breaking streaming records. It also broke the Billboard Hot 100 record for longest-running number one single. Furthermore, the song is simultaneously the record-holder for the longest-running number-one single on the Hot Rap Songs chart as well, with a whopping 20 weeks. Of all the rap hits of 2019, “Old Town Road” reigned supreme, ending as the year-end chart-topper as well.
By 2015, rap music was as dynamic as ever, boasting a wide variety of hits. The mid-2010s took the genre to even greater mainstream fame and kept it securely situated. Many artists had begun to achieve a level of impact and influence never before seen in Hip Hop. The year was also an unforgettable one for Drake, who quickly began to prove his versatility. Furthermore, the marriage between pop and rap waxed even stronger.
A few new talents broke out as well, announcing their arrival on the scene in grand fashion. Some of such rappers include Vince Staples, Fetty Wap, and duo Rae Sremmurd, all of whom released their debut studio albums in 2015. Additionally, trap music became even more popular, with new acts bursting onto the scene. As far as chart success, only six rap hits made it to the top spot in 2015. Remarkably, each song enjoyed a fair amount of time in the number one position. However, Drake and Wiz Khalifa released timeless songs that took the world by storm.
“I Don’t F**k with You” was the first of the six rap hits to top the charts in 2015. It was not its first time at the peak of the chart, however, as it had previously topped it for three weeks before in 2014. Taking a break from the top spot for just one week in December 2014, it returned to its position atop the Hot Rap Songs chart on January 3, 2015, and stayed there for six more weeks. Big Sean’s provocative anthem was a certified banger in 2015, as proven by its dominance on the charts. The song’s impact also extended beyond music and was a significant part of internet culture in the mid-2010s.
Then-newcomer Fetty Wap’s mainstream career was launched due to the overwhelming success of “Trap Queen.” It was the rapper’s debut single, and quickly skyrocketed the artist to mainstream fame. Additionally, the single’s success led to the release of his eponymous debut album later that year. The song is characterized by its unique sound, blending elements of Hip Hop and trap with Fetty Wap’s distinct melodic and rap-sung style. “Trap Queen” achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also topped the Hot Rap Songs chart for three weeks.
“Time of Our Lives” was released as the joint third single from Pitbull’s eighth studio album Globalization, and Ne-Yo’s sixth studio album, Non-Fiction. It was released in November 2014 but did not top the Hot Rap Songs chart until February 2015. “Time Of Our Lives” is a feel-good anthem that celebrates living in the moment and overcoming life’s challenges. One of the more dance-friendly rap hits of 2015, the song eventually received multi-platinum certifications. Furthermore, the international appeal led to success in various countries. “Time Of Our Lives” peaked at number nine on the Hot 100 chart. It also stayed on top of the Hot Rap Songs chart for seven weeks.
“Watch Me” was the debut single of rapper Silentó who was 17 years old at the time. The song stood out among the rap hits of 2015 because of its viral dance. “Watch Me” gained immense popularity through social media platforms like Vine and YouTube. The “Whip/Nae Nae” dance challenge took the world by storm, broadening the song’s reach. Furthermore, the song’s clean lyrics made it a favorite among children and families worldwide. “Watch Me” remains one of the defining dance songs of the mid-2010s. It peaked at number three on the Hot 100 chart, and stayed on top of the Hot Rap Songs chart for nine weeks.
Upon its release, “Hotline Bling” became a massive phenomenon. With a vast discography, the single still remains one of Drake’s most timeless songs. Its music video also introduced a series of iconic dance moves performed by Drake, which were widely parodied and imitated. “Hotline Bling” features a catchy and instantly recognizable melody that incorporates elements of R&B and Hip Hop. The song also achieved Diamond certification in the U.S. with over ten million units sold. It peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart. Furthermore, it stayed atop the Hot Rap Songs chart for a staggering 18 weeks.
One of the biggest hits of 2015, rap or otherwise, “See You Again” was a major success upon release. The song was released as a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, and was the lead single for the soundtrack of the 2015 film, Furious 7. “See You Again” achieved worldwide success, and was the best-selling single of 2015. It also topped the Hot 100 chart for a tremendous 12 weeks, making it one of the longest-running rap number-one singles on the chart. On the Hot Rap Songs chart, it cinched the top spot for 15 weeks. Additionally, it came out on top on the year-end Hot Rap Songs chart as well. “See You Again” is widely recognized as one of the most impactful songs of the 2010s.
In case you haven’t noticed over the last month or so, Travis Scott and his album Utopia have been dominating the charts. For the first four weeks of the album’s existence, Scott found himself at number one. Overall, this was mostly thanks to bundles and how they factored into his sales. He was packaging a digital album with his merch, and he was also selling vinyls for $5. This was a great strategy for him, and it is continuing to pay off as the album cycle hits critical mass.
In the album’s fifth week on the charts, it ended up garnering second place. However, it seems like it will not be playing second fiddle for very long. Instead, the album is going to take the top spot again this week, in its sixth week on the charts. According to DJ Akademiks, the album is going to sell a whopping 160K units, which is truly massive. It is even more impressive given how the album does not have a song in the Top 20 on the Billboard charts. Those bundles are doing their job.
These numbers are especially impressive when you consider how hip-hop has largely struggled on the charts this year. The first album to go number one in rap this year was Lil Uzi Vert’s The Pink Tape. However, it only lasted in that spot for one week. Now, Scott is showcasing that the genre still has a ton of staying power on the charts. That said, a hip-hop song has yet to hit number one this year. Although, it seems like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallionare going to change that with “Bongos.”
Drake is also dropping a new album on September 22nd, so the tide is definitely on its way to being turned. All that being said, tell us your thoughts on Utopia, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.
Tyrese has a new album, Beautiful Pain, which is due out later this year. Or maybe not, after Tyrese took to social media to threaten to scrap his album. Why? Because he feels so discouraged by not getting his latest single, “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me”, to number one. “Don’t Think You Ever Loved Me”, which features Lenny Kravitz and Le’Andria Johnson, failed to chart in the US upon release in February. However, it was a top-10 hit on several Billboard R&B lists. But Tyrese believes that his fans can get the six-month-old song to #1.
“I really thought I could be number one,” a tearful Tyrese said in a recent Instagram video, “So please, hit up any DJs, on-air personalities, music directors, program directors you may know. Let’s go crazy for the next 48 hours and let’s get to number one.” What’s amazing about all of this is that despite begging his fans to do this, Tyrese never actually names the song that he wants to be taken to #1. But then came his threat. “I am just feeling so discouraged, I might even scrap the whole album because of how discouraged I am feeling right now,” Tyrese said. “I don’t mean to offend anyone who I worked on this album with but I am just feeling so discouraged.”
If the story wasn’t already weird enough, Tyrese posted his plea alongside a bizarre caption. “Please please pray for Uncle Craig I can’t reach him he has a very extensive surgery I am worried….. I told him to relax he just refuse to let up. I woke up feeling sad and discouraged I’m sorry y’all I’m just being what most won’t be on social media and that’s honest – I need your help. If you know me call me and please please pray for Uncle Craig Davis he just had a massive surgery he’s a good man who’s got my back to the end of the….. Sadly we likely won’t get there because my man is down….. I can’t reach him and I’m worried please help……. @unclecraigdavis I’m praying for you King I can’t take losing anyone else.”
However, this plea for a pity #1 has not gone over well with fans. “Shut up man like you so deep, nobody cares about your Hollywood problems,” one critic said. “Tyrese be breaking HIPAA laws like crazy. Have you tried therapy?,” added another. The current #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 is the incredibly controversial “Try That In A Small Town” by Jason Aldean. Meanwhile, the top R&B song is “Snooze” by SZA.
When you think of West Coast hip-hop from all eras, few names come quicker to mind than Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Moreover, the pioneering duo had an incredible run in the 1990s and beyond and blessed fans with multiple classic records- and the classic West Coast rap song, according to Rolling Stone. Furthermore, the publication recently made a list of the 100 best songs from the sub-genre/region, including all sorts of names. From Ice-T to Kendrick Lamar, Tupac Shakur to Tyler, The Creator and many more, they covered a lot of bases. However, at the very top spot stood Dre and Snoop’s 1992 classic, “Nuthin’ But A G Thang.”
In fact, the duo has more placements throughout the list. For example, the trailblazing rap group N.W.A., in which Dr. Dre was a key member, nabbed the silver medal with the 1988 hit “Straight Outta Compton.” In addition, Snoop Dogg’s “Gin And Juice” landed at the number eight spot. Considering their indelible stamp on so many careers and sounds in the region and beyond, their presence is no surprise. Other names included in the top 10 are the aforementioned Kendrick, Ice-T, and Tupac, plus Mac Dre, Ice Cube, and Souls Of Mischief.
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre Top Rolling Stone‘s Best West Coast Rap Songs List
Furthermore, the duo was recently in the news after Suge Knight claimed that Dr. Dre did not, in fact, produce Snoop Dogg records like Doggystyle. “[Daz Dillinger] did the whole- he did everything on Doggystyle. By himself,” Knight alleged. “The whole album was done. He did everything. He produced it. So when it was time to come out, the streets said, well, they want Andre [Dr. Dre] to be on it. And Andre said, ‘I want to be on there.’ So Andre went to Daz and said, ‘Look man, let me say it was produced by me, and put my name on it. You’ll get paid, but let me be the one who produced it.”
Still, Dillinger came through with a takedown of Suge’s claims. “Whats up y’all it’s Daz Dillinger giving y’all the news and info that I’m looking at,” he started. “Hey, Dr. Dre is the best producer in the motherf***ing world. I did not have nothing to do with that, Dr. Dre did that on his own. Suge Knight is lying, I ain’t sign a motherf***ing thing. He’s just covering s**t up because of everything that Snoop has uncovered in the Death Row unveiling of all the business and shady s**t that Alan Grunblatt, little fat f***er, and what they was doing and how they was still in cahoots with Suge Knight. So he’s just making up s**t right now.” Check out Rolling Stone‘s full list here and return to HNHH for the latest on Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
Tyler, The Creator’s CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST just made history. Of course, the Hawthorne, Los Angeles native is one to consistently push the envelope in popular music and change the metrics of success to fit his creativity. Moreover, according to ChartData, T is the first-ever artist to have a No. 1 album on the Top R&B and Hip-Hop Albums chart in three different (and consecutive) years. Furthermore, CMIYGL went No. 1 in 2021, 2022, and 2023 on said Billboard chart. With its recent expansion, The Estate Sale, Tyler’s victory lap continued to get him remarkable recognition.
What’s more is that the 32-year-old also saw huge success in the physical market. Furthermore, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST is the best-selling hip-hop vinyl album worldwide in 2022. For those interested in some Tyler, The Creator records on wax, you likely also saw the Wolf ten-year anniversary boxset, which comes with instrumentals and a booklet presumably containing a screenplay. While it’s not on sale anymore, the “WHAT A DAY” MC spoke in the past of how he appreciates fans of his physical releases.
Tyler, The Creator’s CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST Continued Making History
.@tylerthecreator‘s ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’ becomes the first album in history to reach #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in three different calendar years (2021, 2022 and 2023). pic.twitter.com/hVarlpScgo
Still, the artist sometimes known as Wolf Haley has fans speculating on when we’ll hear a new project of fully new material. Given his consistent and relatively unwavering release schedule of dropping every two calendar cycles on odd-numbered years since 2009, many wonder whether that new album will come this year. However, given his incredible success, it would be understandable if he decides to really switch things up. Fans will have to wait and see. The Estate Sale‘s release also proved his tendency to announce and drop within a very short timespan.
Meanwhile, he recently appeared on RapCaviar Presents, the new series on Hulu. During his episode, he spoke on why he loves being a rapper. “We’re good with words,” Tyler expressed. “We’re good with rhythm. We know pockets. We hear a collection of sounds and one thing and say, ‘Ahh, I know what could go over this.’ That takes a skill.” For the latest news and updates from Tyler, The Creator, come back to HNHH.
(@nojumper)