Drake Extends R&B/Hip-Hop and Rhythmic Radio Records With New No. 1 – Billboard

Lil Durk also earns his first radio chart champs with “Laugh Now Cry Later.”

Drake’s longstanding domination on R&B/hip-hop radio keeps rolling on as the superstar’s “Laugh Now Cry Later,” featuring Lil Durk, climbs 2-1 to lead Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart dated Oct. 3. The single ascends with an 18% surge to 23.5 million in format audience in the week ending Sept. 27, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

“Laugh” secures Drake’s record-extending 27th No. 1 on the list since its 1992 creation, pushing him further ahead of runner-up Usher, who owns 15. Lil Durk, meanwhile, collects his first leader. He easily outdoes his previous best appearances, twin No. 49 showings for 2015’s “Like Me,” featuring Jeremih, and the following year’s “Money Walk,” featuring Yo Gotti.

“Laugh” also arrives at the summit in its seventh week on the chart, clocking a tie for the fifth-fastest time to reach No. 1 in Drake’s career on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. The seven-week sprint equals how long “Hotline Bling” needed to fly to No. 1 in 2015 and trails only “God’s Plan” (five weeks), “Nice for What” (six weeks) and Drake’s featured turn on Rihanna’s “Work” (six weeks) among his 27 leaders.

In addition to reigning on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, “Laugh” also tops the Rhythmic Songs airplay chart for the first time, becoming the most-played song among monitored Rhythmic format radio stations nationwide. The track skips 3-1 through a 17% burst in plays in the week ending Sept. 27.

As with R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, the “Laugh” coronation adds to Drake’s already record total among all acts since the chart began in 1993. He now achieves his 30th Rhythmic chart champ, further distancing himself from the current second-place holder, Rihanna, and her 17 No. 1s.

Lil Durk obtains his first Rhythmic leader with his first career entry on the chart.

While “Laugh” breaks new ground on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Rhythmic Songs lists, it wins a second term atop Rap Airplay, as it posts a 19% improvement in audience.

Airplay gains in the multiple arenas push “Laugh” 13-10 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. There, the collaboration picks up 18% to 46.8 million in total audience. The three-spot climb secures Drake’s 24th top 10 on the list, second only to Rihanna (27) and passing Mariah Carey (23).