Drake Tops Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the 21st Century
Drake has cemented his place as one of the most dominant figures in music over the past decade, a fact reflected in his latest recognition from Billboard. The Toronto rapper and singer has been named the top artist on the magazine’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the 21st Century list.
The distinction highlights Drake’s sustained impact on the genre, even though his first entry on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart came in 2009. The only other top 10 artist who debuted more recently is The Weeknd, whose first chart appearances came as features on tracks by Drake and Wiz Khalifa in 2011 and 2012.
Since 2009, Drake has achieved 30 #1 tracks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and 15 #1 albums on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. These totals rank him first in the history of both charts, not just among artists of the 21st century.
Drake also holds the record for the most top 10 songs, with 135, and the highest number of total chart entries at 355. His 15 #1 albums have spent a combined 67 weeks at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He has led Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists recap for a record eight years, including 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Drake is expected to further extend his records with the release of his ninth studio album, ICEMAN, set for late 2025. He has begun teasing the project through the ICEMAN video series, though no new episode has appeared recently. Former NFL player and close friend Johnny Manziel suggested the album could drop in October or November.
Until the album arrives, Drake is performing on his European tour with PARTYNEXTDOOR. The shows continue in Assago, Italy, starting August 29, where fans can catch him for the first of four consecutive dates in the city.
Drake’s achievements underline his influence and dominance in R&B and hip-hop, solidifying his status as one of the most successful artists of the century.
