Drake continues his unprecedented domination of Billboard.
In the 13 years since the release of the 2009 ‘So Far Gone’ mixtape that’s credited with launching his career, the Canadian emcee has managed to rack up the most impressive Hot 100 run of any artist ever.
Among the highlights are most #1 hits among rappers (11), most weeks at #1 among rappers (54), most #2-peaking singles (7), most top 10 singles (59), most #1 debuts (7), most top 40 entries (158), and most appearances on the chart overall (277).
As if the aforementioned was not enough, the arrival of his 277th entry – as supporting act on DJ Khaled‘s latest single ‘Staying Alive’ (also featuring Lil Baby) – was accompanied by its own slew of history-making stats this week.
Today’s From The Vault salutes the ever-reigning Queen of Pop Madonna.
With a career and catalog as colossal as hers, the diva’s music is celebrated on a daily basis. And rightfully so.
Our pick is hypnotizing anthem ‘Secrets.’
Lifted from Madge’s 1994 album ‘Bedtime Stories,’ the track was produced by music maestro Dallas Austin and was issued as the LP’s lead single.
After the controversy that encased the singer’s name and image following the raunchy ‘Erotica’ era, the Pop maverick arguably sought to soften both with ‘Stories.’
A marked departure from previous shapeshifts, the project drove in a much more R&B direction and placed lyricism and vocal performance at its forefront.
The effort was well-received.
‘Secrets’ peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, #5 in the UK, #2 in France, and placed within the top 10 in multiple countries worldwide. The track also hit #1 in Canada and Switzerland.
Its accompanying black and white video was directed by Melodie McDaniel and showcased the star in performance mode, while also slickly spotlighting others; the combination of which illuminated the song’s layered lyrics in earnest.
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For four decades Madonna has dominated like no other – primarily due to her willingness to embrace fresh sounds, themes, and manners of visual presentation.
Case in point ‘Secret’ and ‘Bedtime Stories.’
Madge’s commitment to evolving established a template in Pop that remains religiously adhered to by the many names that have followed in her footsteps.
Usher fans still clinging to his promise of dropping new music “this year” have been getting reacquainted with some of his classics as a way to get tide themselves over until the release – at least that’s what this week’s Billboard 200 suggests.
Drake is full of surprises. Now more than ever before.
Because just weeks after dropping Dance album ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ unannounced, the Hip-Hop titan joined iconic Pop ensemble, The Backstreet Boys, live on-stage tonight.
The group’s latest tour made a stop in Drizzy’s hometown of Toronto and the MC made an unpredictable appearance alongside Brian, Nick, AJ, Howie, and Kevin.
Christening the rapper “the sixth member” of the group, the collective performed a collaborative take on the classic anthem ‘I Want It That Way.’
What are you waiting for? Watch the performance after the jump…
Beyonce‘s name has been dominating the headlines as buzz for the singer’s long-awaited new album reaches fever pitch.
The superstar ignited excitement in earnest when she removed her profile picture across all of her social media platforms; a move that had many in The BeyHive swarming for clues about her first solo LP in six years.
While the anticipation amplifies for a project fans have codenamed B7, a new report appears to have lifted the lid on Queen Bey’s unique live plans.
June is officially here. You know what that means: it’s Pride Month! A time to not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also to remember how we have come.
When thinking of LGBTQ+ anthems, one may think of the grandiose divas that still fill nightclubs today. However, while those songs do deserve their place in history, in our minds, and in our hearts, we wanted to compile a list that represents various eras of music.
So, join us below to see what R&B jams and sugar-Pop bops made the list this year…
Cat Burns has been blazing the charts with her emotionally-charged single ‘Go’ and its winning trajectory looks set to continue thanks to a brand new collaboration incarnation with Sam Smith.
The pair performed first the track on Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park over the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend and have today (Cat’s 23rd birthday) unwrapped the studio version.
Smith, a GRAMMY and Oscar winner, said of working with the rising star (who has been named Spotify UK’s Radar Artist):
“I came across Cat’s music earlier this year and I was immediately moved and refreshed by her honesty, incredible technique and delivery as a vocalist. am so thankful to be a very small part of this special song and moment. Cat is a gift to us all.”
The BET Awards is back and set to blaze on Sunday, June 26.
As always, all eyes are on who’ll be up for nominations at Black entertainment’s biggest calendar night – which is being hosted by Taraji P. Henson live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Well, wonder no more. For, the nominees’ list has been revealed.
After unprecedented success, Doja Cat leads with six each.
Drake and Ari Lennox follow closely with four apiece.
Elsewhere, the likes of Chloe Bailey, Silk Sonic, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tems are amongst the stars who also scooped notable noms at the show.
What are you waiting for? The full list of nominations awaits below…
