Drake has broken the long-standing record held by Michael Jackson for the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by a solo male artist, establishing himself as a dominant figure in pop music. His latest track, “Janice STFU,” debuted at the number one spot this week, coinciding with the release of his trilogy of albums.
This achievement brings Drake’s total number of chart-toppers to 14, placing him on par with Taylor Swift and Rihanna for the most No. 1 singles by any artist. Only Mariah Carey with 19, and The Beatles with 20, have more chart-topping hits.
In addition to this milestone, Drake also made history by securing 42 songs on the Hot 100 chart in a single week, surpassing Morgan Wallen’s previous record of 37 set in 2025. Notably, Drake has frequently referenced Michael Jackson in his music, drawing comparisons between his own legacy and the iconic pop star. The cover of his latest album, “Iceman,” pays homage to Jackson with a rhinestone-studded glove reminiscent of the late singer’s trademark accessory.
Furthermore, Drake achieved another significant feat this week by claiming the top three positions on Billboard’s top 200 album chart with his trilogy of albums: “Iceman,” “Habibti,” and “Maid of Honour” debuting at numbers one, two, and three, respectively. These releases mark Drake’s first solo projects since his public feud with Kendrick Lamar in 2024, with references to their rivalry evident throughout the tracks.
Leading up to the release of “Iceman,” Drake engaged in an elaborate promotional campaign, including a light show at Toronto’s CN Tower, transforming the iconic landmark into an icy spectacle. The anticipation for the album was built over nearly a year with various public stunts, such as an installation of a large ice block in a downtown Toronto parking lot containing the album’s hidden release date.
Drake’s continuous success and innovative marketing strategies have solidified his position as a trailblazer in the music industry, setting new standards for chart-topping hits and album releases.