When Justin Bieber, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Nicki Minaj dropped their much anticipated singles three weeks ago, we all imagined they’d have tremendous success. They were, for the most part, all given full time slots and were off to the races to see who would reach the top the quickest. While this was happening, Drake was in a heated battle with Meek Mill. They fired back and forth at one another, trading jabs. Many weren’t sure what the outcome would be, with different tracks being dropped. Then Drake dropped “Back to Back” (YMCMB), which quickly grabbed radio’s attention. It rocketed to the Top 25. Then came “Hotline Bling” (YMCMB), and it was GAME OVER. It’s already shot past the others, and was Most Increased this week with more than 1000 spins. In just two weeks on the chart, it’s #12. It’s also a monster at Urban, and I’m sure Top 40 won’t be too far behind.

Without a doubt, Gary Spangler, Davey Dee and Stef Cole at Republic have cornered the market these days. They have The Weeknd’s “The Hills” (XO) at #1 again, up 560 spins; that one’s showing no signs of slowing down. Post Malone’s “White Iverson” is up 200 spins and moves to #28. Nicki Minaj’s “Trini Dem Girls” (YMCMB) debuts at #36, gaining 360 spins. Just off the chart is Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” (Big Machine), which was up 230 spins this week and climbs to #47; it’s looking like it’ll chart this coming week. The Top 40 profile is amazing, and it’s most certainly already being played in your market.

Over at Def Jam, Rick Sackhiem, Noah Sheer and Scott Maness welcome Jeremih f/J. Cole’s “Planes” into the Top 10. While it’s truly only on the chart for 11 weeks, the record’s been out there for over seven months! Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean?” grabbed another 640 spins, and lands at #22. And right behind is Alessia Cara’s “Here,” which climbs to #23, up 90 spins. YG’s “Twist My Fingaz,” meanwhile, had a super week, gaining 130 spins and planting itself at #26. By the way, Noah tells me to be on the lookout for new songs from Big Sean, 2 Chainz and August Alsina.


RCA’s John Strazza, Inca and Lori G continue to build R. City f/Adam Levine’s “Locked Away” (Kemosabe). It was up another 350 spins this week and is now at #13. Chris Brown’s “Liquor” has broken into the Top 25, after gaining 185 spins this week. Nicky Jam’s “Forgiveness” and Pitbull f/Jason Derulo’s “Drive You Crazy” (Mr. 305/Polo Grounds) are at #45 and #46, respectively, and Shy Carter f/Aleon Craft’s “Bring It Back” (Latium) moves to #57, up 50 spins.

Columbia’s Ayelet Schiffman and James White officially have Rita Ora f/Chris Brown “Body on Me” (Roc Nation) inside the Top 15. It was up a cool 500 spins, and continues to build. J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz” (Roc Nation) was up 105 spins, and climbs to #35, and Dej Loaf f/Big Sean’s “Back Up” holds at #37, gaining 50 spins. Calvin Harris & Disciples’ “How Deep Is Your Love”—which impacted last week— is up 90 spins, and looks to be a few weeks away from debuting.

Warner Bros. and Lee L’Heureux have Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Downtown” at #14, after just two weeks on the chart. It just saw an increase of 885 spins.

Epic’s Sujit Kundu takes Future f/Drake’s “Where Ya At” inside the Top 30 this week with an increase of 80 spins. Meanwhile. Travis Scott’s “Antidote” sits at #56, up 60 spins. His LP Rodeo just earned 85k in first week sales. And FYI, they’re impacting Casey Veggies’ “Wonderful” this week.


RECORDS’ Christine Chiappetta and Paula Tuggey continue to run Nelly f/Jeremih’s “The Fix” up the chart. It’s now at #21, with an increase of 360 spins.

Largest increases:
1) Drake “Hotline Bling” YMCMB/Republic
2) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Downtown” Warner Bros.
3) Justin Bieber “What Do You Mean?” Def Jam
4) The Weeknd “The Hills” XO/Republic
5) Rita Ora f/Chris Brown “Body On Me” Roc Nation/Columbia

The Pulse:
1) Drake “Hotline Bling” YMCMB/Republic
2) Justin Bieber “What Do You Mean?” Def Jam
3) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Downtown” Warner Bros.
4) Rita Ora f/Chris Brown “Body On Me” Roc Nation/Columbia
5) R. City f/Adam Levine “Locked Away” Kemosabe/RCA