Drake has been crowned Billboard’s No. 1 R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the 21st century, topping a 25-year ranking that includes Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Eminem, and Rihanna
Drake has once again made history, this time by being officially named the No. 1 R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the 21st century by Billboard. The ranking, which covers the first 25 years of the century, looked at the biggest names in the genre since 2000, and the Canadian superstar emerged on top, outpacing some of the most influential and iconic artists of the modern era. What makes his achievement remarkable is not only the title itself but the speed at which he reached it. Drake did not enter the Billboard charts until 2009, almost a full decade into the century that was being measured, yet within just 15 years he managed to surpass every competitor and dominate every metric.
The numbers speak for themselves. Drake has achieved 30 No. 1 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, more than any other artist in history. He also holds 15 No. 1 albums on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, giving him a dominance few artists have ever matched. Altogether, he has 135 songs that reached the Top 10 and an extraordinary 355 entries on the chart in total, cementing him as the most charted artist ever in this category. His albums have collectively spent 67 weeks at No. 1, and thanks to the power of streaming, many of his older releases remain relevant on the charts long after their original debut. It is this combination of consistency, longevity, and cultural impact that elevated him to the very top of Billboard’s 21st-century ranking.
Drake’s rise is also marked by his recognition as Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year on eight separate occasions: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and most recently 2024. Few artists have ever won the title so many times, and it underscores the way he has been able to maintain relevance while constantly evolving with new sounds and cultural trends.
The Billboard list is filled with legends. Alicia Keys appears at No. 10, a reflection of her groundbreaking debut and timeless tracks such as “Fallin’.” Eminem, whose career defined a generation, lands at No. 9, with countless No. 1 albums and hits like “The Monster” alongside Rihanna, who herself comes in at No. 8 after a decade of back-to-back chart-toppers including “Diamonds” and “Work.” Jay-Z appears at No. 7, continuing his dominance into the 2000s with milestone albums and cultural influence, often amplified by his collaborations with Beyoncé. At No. 6 is Lil Wayne, who reshaped modern rap with his Young Money empire and 35 projects that left a permanent mark on the charts, along with 11 No. 1 hits. Usher, one of R&B’s most celebrated voices, holds the No. 5 spot, with his album “Confessions” still considered one of the most important R&B releases of all time.
Chris Brown sits at No. 4, his career spanning from his debut “Run It!” in 2005 to recent hits, showcasing remarkable staying power. The Weeknd claims the No. 3 spot, his evolution from an underground talent to a global superstar marked by tracks like “The Hills,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “Starboy.” Beyoncé ranks second overall and first among women, a recognition of her monumental career from “Dangerously in Love” to “Renaissance,” with anthems like “Single Ladies” and “Love on Top” becoming permanent fixtures of pop and R&B history.
At No. 1, of course, is Drake. His journey from his breakout single “Best I Ever Had” to his current reign is not just about statistics; it is about his ability to define culture in real time. Drake’s career has spanned R&B ballads, hard-hitting rap tracks, pop collaborations, and viral trends, all without losing his grip on the spotlight. He is not confined to one genre but moves seamlessly between them, creating music that speaks to multiple generations of fans. His style, his voice, and even his lyrics have become cultural touchstones, often setting trends across the internet. From TikTok dances to Instagram captions, his music is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Beyond the statistics, what sets Drake apart is his omnipresence. He appears not only on his own chart-topping releases but also on collaborations with nearly every major name in the industry. His versatility allows him to adapt to shifts in music while still dictating the direction of R&B and Hip-Hop. He has become a global phenomenon, not just a North American success story, influencing international charts and inspiring artists worldwide. The power of his collaborations has expanded his reach even further, from working with Rihanna and Future to crossing into pop with artists like Justin Bieber and beyond.
The cultural resonance of Drake cannot be overstated. His lyrics often become catchphrases, his sound evolves with each project, and his image embodies both superstar excess and relatable vulnerability. He has managed to balance being aspirational and accessible, which is part of why he remains a dominant figure year after year. His albums are not just collections of songs but cultural moments, sparking conversations, memes, and viral challenges. Each new release feels like an event, and that sense of anticipation has helped fuel his dominance over such a long stretch of time.
Billboard’s list of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the 21st Century is essentially a reflection of the genre’s most important voices over the last 25 years. It shows who defined the sound of an era, who shifted the culture, and who reached the greatest commercial peaks. By placing Drake at the very top, Billboard has made clear that no artist has done more to shape the sound, influence the culture, and dominate the charts in this century. His rise from a newcomer in 2009 to the most successful R&B/Hip-Hop artist in less than two decades is a story that mirrors the genre itself: ambitious, innovative, and constantly evolving.
What makes this recognition even more powerful is that Drake’s career is far from over. At just 37 years old, he has already achieved milestones that other artists spend decades chasing. Yet his hunger for new sounds, collaborations, and cultural relevance shows no sign of slowing down. His ability to stay at the center of music conversations year after year is why he is not just Billboard’s No. 1 of the century so far, but very likely a figure who will continue to dominate for years to come.
Drake’s journey proves that raw talent, relentless work ethic, and cultural intuition can rewrite the rules of success. His story embodies the 21st century’s music revolution, where streaming, viral culture, and cross-genre collaborations define stardom. He is the artist of the moment, the artist of the past 25 years, and arguably, the artist shaping the future. The Billboard title simply puts into words what millions of fans already know: Drake didn’t just start from the bottom—he took the entire culture to the top with him.
