What's Happening?
Drake has been named the top R&B/hip-hop artist of the 21st century by Billboard, based on his performance on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts from January 2000 through December 2024. Despite entering the charts in 2009, Drake has achieved 30 No. 1 hits on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and 15 No. 1s on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. His prolific output has led to a record eight years as the top R&B/Hip-Hop artist annually, including 2012, 2015-2018, 2021-2022, and 2024.
Why It's Important?
Drake's dominance in the R&B/hip-hop genre underscores his significant influence on the music industry over the past 25 years. His ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits has set a high bar for other artists and has contributed to the evolution of the genre. This recognition by Billboard highlights the commercial success and cultural impact of his music, which has shaped trends and inspired new artists in the industry.
What's Next?
Billboard will continue to release additional rankings, including the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs of the 21st Century, as well as the Top Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. These rankings will further explore the contributions of various artists and producers to the genre's development over the past quarter-century.
