Drake’s phenomenal dominance in the hip-hop and R&B music landscape continues to be underscored by his latest chart achievement. The Toronto superstar’s single, “What Did I Miss?”, has officially ascended to the number one position on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay Chart, extending his own unparalleled record to a staggering 42 chart-toppers in this category. This marks Drake’s third track to reach the pinnacle of the Rhythmic Airplay chart in 2025, following the success of “NOKIA” in May and “SOMEBODY LOVES ME” featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR in July.
The Rhythmic Airplay chart, a crucial barometer for hip-hop and R&B crossover success, tracks songs played on U.S. rhythmic radio stations. “What Did I Miss?” achieved this significant milestone in just six weeks of its release, a testament to its rapid ascent and widespread appeal within the genre. The song’s climb was bolstered by a 13% increase in plays across U.S. rhythmic radio stations between August 8-14, 2025, according to data from Luminate. This consistent performance solidifies Drake’s position as the undisputed king of this particular chart.
Drake’s closest competitor on the Rhythmic Airplay chart is Rihanna, who has accumulated 17 number-one hits, a figure that pales in comparison to Drake’s 42. Other artists trailing behind include The Weeknd with 16, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars each with 14, and Lil Wayne and Usher with 13 chart-toppers. This latest accomplishment further widens the already substantial gap, reinforcing Drake’s status as a generational talent in music.
A Swift Ascent and Broader Chart Impact
The rapid climb of “What Did I Miss?” to number one is not an anomaly in Drake’s career. The song’s six-week journey mirrors the swift ascents of other Drake hits such as “Work,” “One Dance,” “Nice for What,” “Way 2 Sexy,” and “Rich Baby Daddy.” His fastest climbs to date include “God’s Plan” and “Toosie Slide,” both reaching the top in five weeks, and “In My Feelings,” which holds the record for the quickest ascent, hitting number one in just four weeks.
Beyond its dominance on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, “What Did I Miss?” has also made its mark on other Billboard rankings. The track has risen to the second position on the audience-based Rap Airplay chart and climbed to sixth place on the plays-based Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, reflecting its broad appeal across different segments of urban music radio.
“What Did I Miss?”: Context and Content
Released on July 4, 2025, as the lead single from his upcoming ninth studio album, “Iceman,” the song “What Did I Miss?” was written by Drake himself. The track features his signature blend of melodic introspection and sharp lyrical content, addressing themes of betrayal and questioning former friendships following his highly publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar. The lyrics include direct references to Lamar’s “Pop Out” concert and call out individuals perceived as disloyal.
The song’s release was preceded by a livestream titled “Iceman: Episode 1,” which generated significant fan engagement and hinted at the upcoming album. This strategic rollout, combined with the song’s compelling narrative and Drake’s established artistry, has clearly resonated with audiences and radio programmers alike.
A Legacy of Chart Domination
Drake’s continuous success on the Rhythmic Airplay chart is a significant part of his broader legacy in the music industry. His prolific output and consistent ability to produce hit songs have cemented his status as one of the most dominant forces in contemporary music. As of 2025, he holds numerous records, including the most top 10 singles (81), most charted songs (359), and most consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. His dominance extends across various genre-specific charts, including R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, and Rhythmic Airplay.
As anticipation builds for the release of “Iceman,” Drake’s ongoing chart success with “What Did I Miss?” suggests that his reign at the top of the music world is far from over. The artist’s ability to adapt, engage with current events, and deliver compelling music continues to propel him to new heights, setting new standards for success in the highly competitive hip-hop and R&B markets. His collaboration with Central Cee, “Which One,” is also reportedly climbing the Rhythmic Airplay chart, indicating a potential for back-to-back number-one hits.
Drake’s journey from his early releases like “So Far Gone” to his current chart-topping success is a narrative of consistent evolution and unwavering appeal. The Rhythmic Airplay chart serves as a prominent stage for this ongoing story of musical achievement, reflecting his deep connection with the hip hop and R&B listening base.
