It has been more than 20 years since a single spent more than 14 weeks at number-one on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart, and now “Despacito” has done it, continuing its march through music history. By Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, the song has now broken an eight-way tie for second place by spending a 15th consecutive week at number-one. If it holds onto its position next week it will tie “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men for the all-time record. “One Sweet Day” spent 16 weeks on top from 1995 to 1996. But it’s not going to be easy.
As Billboard notes, “Despacito” has lost some ground. It’s up slightly in digital song sales, but it has dipped a bit in streams and dipped even more on the radio. That wasn’t enough to lose its number-one spot on the Hot 100, but “Wild Thoughts” by DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller is closer than ever, holding on to number-two for the sixth week. It would be fitting if Khaled takes over the top spot since “Despacito” took over the top spot from Khaled’s “I’m the One” 15 weeks ago.
However, both songs may be challenged by newcomer Cardi B’s breakthrough single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves).” The hip-hop hit rose to number-eight last week, but now it has jumped five more spots to number-three. That’s a significant milestone for a solo female rap artist. She’s first female rapper to reach the top three unaccompanied since Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” in 2014. And she’s the only female artist to reach the top three unaccompanied in 2017. “Bodak Yellow” made its biggest impact on the streaming chart. It needs to gain quite a lot of momentum in digital song sales and radio airplay if it wants to catch “Despacito,” but keep an eye on it.
What do you think of this week’s chart? Are you rooting for “Despacito” to tie Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, or are you hoping those ’90s chart-toppers hold on to their record? See what else made the top 10 in the video above, and discuss this and more in our forums.
