Life handed Rihanna a ‘Lemon’ so she made Billboard history.
The Grammy-winning songstress, who managed to make major moves on Billboard charts in 2017 despite the year being one of the least musically active of her storied career, is seeing the trend spill over into 2018 thanks to her assistance on N.E.R.D.‘s comeback tune.
Though greeted with critical acclaim for Rih’s rapping, the song wasn’t exactly making the biggest dent on charts at its onset. But, as the age old adage goes, ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ Easily classified a sleeper hit, the cut already slowly, but surely rising in Billboard rankings weekly. However, that rise was given just the extra boost it needed when ‘Vogue’ magazine tapped tennis star Serena Williams to create a dance video to the tune.
The result? ‘Lemon’ leaped into the top 40 this week! Details inside:
Rihanna notches her milestone 50th top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit, as “Lemon,” with N.E.R.D., lifts from No. 50 to No. 40 (on the chart dated Jan. 27).
Most Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 Hits All Time
80, Elvis Presley
71, Lil Wayne
67, Drake
57, Elton John
55, Taylor Swift
51, Glee Cast
50, The Beatles
50, Rihanna
49, Madonna
Congratulations are certainly in order to the Bajan beauty. With this achievement she becomes the first and only woman of color to have 50 top 40 hits. Among women overall she is second only to Taylor Swift (who currently has 55 top 40 entries to her credit).
Legend at 29!
Nah she became a legend at 25 just like Whitney, Janet, Mariah, and Toni did at that age. When you are on top of the charts, setting records, and can’t nobody take your industry spot then you are a legend…Rihanna did that at 25 for sure.
You’re right but it takes time to be a legend at 25 she was there but now she is a SOLIDIFIED Legend !!
Rihanna is not a legend. Apart from commercial success (basic on the albums front) you have to bring special talent to the table and be respected. She is not. She is a Britney. Although Britney did it bigger and by her own name.
Legend??? I’m sorry, no! … Not yet! Icon, yes! Legends only happen after you put in at least 20 years of work! Time is crucial! Rihanna has the hits, she has enough successful eras too, but you must hit every mark to become a legend! There are no shortcuts when it comes to that! At least 3 memorable eras + some form of success + time = LEGEND! This is the most common path! There are a few other elements and different ways to get there! Time can never be the eliminated part of the equation! I do believe Rih will be remembered! Because of that, I can confidently say that she’s probably guaranteed legendary status one day! Still, you only get there when you get there!
Certified Legend indeed. I just love her.
@ John your a hater grandpa she’s a legend get over it ! Your opinion is invalid when the world and history books say otherwise!
JOHNVIDAL Rihanna is certainly a legend. Her work as an entertainer far exceeds music. It encompasses music, fashion, endorsements, and business. She has set many many records. That is the reason why many people recognize her as a legend and the others will recognize her legendary status later on. For example, in 1995 your fav Mariah was only 25 years old and released her Daydream album. Many of her fans saw it as another record breaking album but many also saw it as her establishing a legacy because at that point in time nobody could take her place in the industry and she was setting records for all female artists in history. Even the Grammies knew how powerful her artistry was and that is the real reason Daydream did not win any of those 6 nominations. The voting committee was hating on Mariah’s artistry and the fact that she was the new legend.
She is so damn beautiful.
I think she coulda had more if she had released Breaking Dishes, Fire Bomb, Roc Me Out, Drunk on Love, Desperado, and Woo as singles.
I love Breaking Dishes. To this day I do not know why her label released “Shut Up and Drive” instead of that song.
Shut Up And Drive was a #1 hit though.
‘Breaking dishes’ would have been classic!
I never understood why ‘Fire Bomb’ wasn’t a single.
Globally she’s even more impressive with at least 30 top 10s in both the UK and Australia! She Is pops MAIN girl and is number one on many lists !! Fenty Beauty is taking over the makeup world aswell! Rumors are she’s dropping her own clothing brand and skincare brand this year aswell !
Stop breaking everything down by race… It’s the Music Industry what does her being the first woman of color mean in music. ..
you are kidding right?
how many white men and women do u see on that list? how many black men? now tell me how many black women you see…only rih right? so obviously its easier for some dems to land on that list than others
Girl if Madonna or Mariah Carey had spent half of their acreers when they were at their commercial peak they would have 1,500 top40 entries LOL seriously all this is a joke. Also now you can chart all your songs and not only the one single you have at the moment. This means nothing. It just cannot be compared how much bigger they were.
*half of their careers doing features*
Even without features added she is the highest selling artist of the digital and streaming eras she is this generations legend ! Bringing up Mariah huh when the first 10 years of her career was backed by heavy payola? Gtfoh
Are you going to discuss payola and tricks when you stan for Rihanna??? LMAO What is the pucking main reason why her album success vs singles success has the worst rate in history then? LOL If there´s a career built on smoke and mirrors withut the talent to back it up and to convince peopel that´s Rihanna´s hun. Leave the buble.
Hmmm I think her stats speak for themselves she rarely gets radio deals like the main other popstars I mean her songs have longevity and chart based off her appeal and dynamic voice for radio! She’s sold 70 million albums worldwide sis I think she’s doing fine in that department aswell. Millions find her very talented her performances of her ballads says hi hun she totally tore the house down with Love on the Brain at the Billboard awards and Four Five Seconds at the Grammies. To name a few ! She has received accolades left and right who are you to judge or have an opinion on her! Please just stop you look so mad and hateful
LOL She has not sold 70 million albums LOL when she has barely crossed 10 million in the USA LMAO You really believe your own propaganda??????????? omg
Your arguing with a female over another females success still? Give it up do the research hun her total records sales (certified units) exceed 251 million units and this is without features!
You´re so ridiculous. People cannot take seriously people who don´t acknowledge obvious realities. That´s you.
If we live in the same reality the same information is available to you on her sales. It’s called google seeetie look it up her record company just updated her album and record sales in 2016!
Rihanna has been slaying the charts since 2005! She’s been doing this before AND after the charting rules changed. You mad?
F*** HER SHE A MAN BEATER AND REAL ABUSER. STOP GIVIIING HER A PASS.
@tyana I found the pressed Chris Brown fan who will stop at nothing to slander the woman his favorite so horrificly abused.
Wow, congrats! It’s funny how easy it was to dismiss Rihanna in ’05 when ‘Pon De Replay’ was released! Rihanna proved with GGGB that she can make infectious pop music that people really care about! Rated R was artistically impressive and ‘Loud’ is the enjoyable, easy listening cousin to ‘Good Girl’! Imo, everything was a blur from ‘Talk the Talk’ through ‘Unapologetic’! It felt like Rih only followed trends and was some kind of machinery doing the same thing on repeat! She was the “rebellious safe girl”, singing any bland pop song for chart success! With Anti (and more specifically ‘Work’), I realized again that Rihanna does add a contribution to Pop when she goes back to serving it with her own, unique island flair! I see her as an icon in her own right now and I like that she’s managed to make people come around after doubting her so often!
I give props to anyone who barely sings like Ri-Whine-A & gets awards for dressing the way she does vocally she’s always been a mess, but I like about 8 songs throughout her career!!
That’s awesome. I wonder if this song eventually goes top 10. I think she is coming for Madonna’s top 10 record in time, which kind of sucks to me tbh cus I always like Madonna. But Rihanna puts in the work and consistently delivers hits so who can really hate?
Rihanna has a way of being herself giving the feeling of authenticity to whatever she does. Her personal style and attitude sets her apart from her peers. She may not sell the most albums, but her music, style and attitude overflows and influences and inspires so many others. Im impressed and happy to follow this chicka.
She doesn´t make her music so your point is invalid. She transmmits an “I don´t care” attitude. Not authenticity. Don´t know why some people are so gullible and mistake such basic things. Thankfully most people know who is who and who is good for what in music industry.
Honey you bitter like aloes. Rihanna is the true definition of a legend! Long live the Billboard slayer !?
You are so pressed it’s hilarious. Let’s break it down like this; like it or not she is written in history books. She has inspired artist coming up now and even influenced some who’ve been around longer than her. Her name/songs can be recognized by people of all ages and that’s not an easy thing to do. All you have is personal opinion and speculation thinking you are some sort of musical authority when all you really are is bitter boo.
Yassss Bam collect him please ! Lol
She has inspired no one. Where teh hell are you seeing these things? LOL Paralel universe I tell you. She is nobody musically. And people and her peers know it. Having tons of SINGLES achievements with easier rules than the ones that share that list with her had to deal with doesn´t make you a legend. Again, where are her huge album sales to match??????? It´s a joke.
Her album sales globally are phenomenal! She’s a global artist hun unlike your faves! She has some of the top selling albums this decade for female artists in both the US and the UK!
Unlike my faves??? LMAO Rihanna will never reach teh status my faves earned worldwide. The biggest bishes ever, and not just on elaborated singles charts, but on real album sales across all demographics. REALITY CHECK!
John dear you’re bitter. So bitter you’re mistaking your opinion for facts and that’s the truest example of delusion. One only need to look on YouTube to find compilation videos of celebs, who came both before and after, praising and speaking on Rihanna. Adele named Rihanna’s album her most anticipated two years ago. Beyonce listed “man down” as one of her fave songs of 2010. Her music videos have inspired many and caused important conversations in blogs and real publications/journals on black v white feminism (BBHMM), ra pe and revenge (Man Down), and troubled youth love/culture (We Found Love). But ofcourse you’ll say none of this exists and that we are all crazy when it’s you wearing the white jacket.
man beater.