Kanye West is The First Rapper to Hit No. 1 in Three Decades

Renowned rapper and producer Kanye West, also known as Ye, has secured the top spot on the US music charts for the first time in over a decade with his latest release. 

Teaming up with vocalist Ty Dolla $ign and rap artists Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti, West’s track “Carnival” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Monday, March 11.

Despite recent controversies, including losing brand partnerships due to antisemitic language, West has been enjoying success on both the single and album charts since last month. 

Kanye West Chart-Topping Songs

His 10th album, “Vultures,” dropped in February after multiple delays and is currently holding the No. 3 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart. “Carnival,” the leading single from the album, has been steadily climbing the singles chart in recent weeks.

This latest achievement makes West the only rapper to have chart-topping singles in three separate decades, with his first being the 2004 hit “Slow Jamz” with Twista and Jamie Foxx. Prior to “Carnival,” his most recent No. 1 hit was as a featured artist on Katy Perry’s 2011 single “ET.”

According to data from Luminate, “Carnival” garnered 34 million streams in the past tracking week and received four million audience impressions from US-based radio stations. Meanwhile, “Vultures” accumulated nearly 53,000 equivalent album units.

In another development, West’s 10-year-old daughter North announced her debut album during a listening party for her father’s upcoming record, “Vultures 2.” Titled “Elementary School Dropout,” the album pays homage to West’s debut album, “The College Dropout,” released in 2004.

Despite his recent successes, some critics, like music editor Roisin O’Connor, believe that West’s recent work lacks the depth and talent displayed earlier in his career.

O’Connor notes that West’s current approach seems focused on generating attention through quick stunts rather than showcasing his true artistic prowess.