The Weeknd and Drake Made Billboard Chart History In 2023

Two of Canada’s biggest stars had big years in 2023, making waves and setting new records on the Billboard charts. Drake and The Weeknd are both featured in Billboard’s list of 23 chart feats from 2023, the former for breaking a tie with Jay-Z, the latter for a long journey towards the top.

The OVO Sound founder released his latest album, For All The Dogs, in October. The record went to the top of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, giving Drake the title of most ever No. 1 R&B/Hip-Hop albums. Previously, he was tied with Jay-Z, at fourteen albums each. For All The Dogs has also done well on the Hot 100, with the SZA-assisted “Slime U Out” hitting No. 1, marking Drake’s 13th No. 1 hit.

The Weeknd may not have released a new record this year — although he did co-create, star in and compose music for the HBO series The Idol — but the singer still managed to make an impact on the charts,. He claimed the top spot on the Hot 100 in March with the “Die For You” remix featuring Ariana Grande. “Die For You” is The Weeknd’s 7th No. 1 and comes from his 2016 album Starboy — meaning it reached the top of the chart almost seven years after it first debuted in December 2016. The song takes the cake for the longest ever climb to No. 1 (not counting holiday hits like Brenda Lee’s current chart topper, “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree.”)

Other artists who had impressive feats this year include Olivia Rodrigo, who became the first artist to have the lead singles from her first two albums debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100. With the runaway success of Luke Combs’ “Fast Car” cover, Tracy Chapman became the first Black woman to be the sole writer of a No. 1 song on the Country Airplay chart. Meanwhile, Billboard’s Top Artist of 2023, Taylor Swift, extended her record for most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 by a woman with 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

Check out the full list here.