A problem is exactly what the competition has on its hands thanks to the Hot 100 storm of Nicki Minaj‘s new single, ‘Do We Have a Problem?’
The Lil Baby-assisted single, the leading effort from Minaj’s yet-titled, forthcoming fifth studio album, erupted onto digital music platforms February 4 on the strength of a star-studded, cinematic music video (featuring ‘Power‘ star Joseph Sikora and others).
Not even 48 hours after its unveiling, the Papi Yerr-produced bop flew to the top of real-time Apple Music, Spotify, and iTunes sales and streaming tallies – bids that, as the updated Hot 100 reveals, were key to ensuring its placement at #2 on this week’s chart.
Coming in guns blazing, ‘Problem’ premiered just one rung shy of the Hot 100’s summit. Look below to see the first-week numbers that powered its impressive landing.
- Radio airplay: 3.7 million
- Streams: 24.4 million streams
- Digital Downloads: 48,000 sold
A milestone for Minaj, ‘Problem’ is her highest debut to date as a song leader. Overall, her highest debut remains ‘TROLLZ’ – the #1 duet with fellow rapper 6i9ine. What’s more, ‘Problem’ ties her highest rung reached as a leader following the #2 peak of her 2014 hit ‘Anaconda.’
Also, the tune marks her 20th entry into the chart’s top 10 – more than any other female rapper. Among all women, Nicki is only the 7th lady to claim as many top 10 hits and follows Madonna (38), Rihanna (31), Taylor Swift (30), Mariah Carey (28), Janet Jackson (27) and Whitney Houston (23).
Look below to see how the Harajuku Barbie responded to the chart news.
*****
Check in to That Grape Juice Tuesday (February 15) for our full weekly chart recap, ‘TGJ Chart Check.’