The Hot 100 chart, established in 1958, is a significant all-genre singles chart in the US. In 1991, Billboard updated its methodology to include modern airplay and sales data, enhancing the accuracy of rankings. Mariah Carey's hit single 'Fantasy' from her album 'Daydream' made history by debuting at No. 1 in 1995 and spending eight weeks atop the Hot 100.
Another track from 'Daydream,' 'One Sweet Day,' also debuted at No. 1 in 1995 and set a record by staying at the top for 16 consecutive weeks. This record was later matched by 'Despacito' and broken by 'Old Town Road.' Diddy's 'I'll Be Missing You' and Carey's 'Honey' also claimed the No. 1 spot in 1997.
Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight' became the first diamond-certified song after spending 14 weeks at No. 1. Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On' and Aerosmith's 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing' also topped the chart in 1998.
Lauryn Hill's 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' and Clay Aiken's 'This Is the Night' achieved No. 1 in 1998 and 2003, respectively. Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' and Drake's 'God's Plan' also enjoyed chart-topping success in 2011 and 2018.
Recent hits like Cardi B's 'WAP,' BTS' 'Dynamite,' and Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' have all debuted at No. 1 in the past few years. Taylor Swift's 'Anti-Hero' and 'Flowers' maintained their No. 1 positions for multiple weeks, showcasing their enduring popularity.
The Hot 100 chart continues to evolve, incorporating digital sales and YouTube data to reflect changing listening trends. Notable recent chart-toppers include Drake, Ariana Grande, and BTS, each with multiple entries on the list.
Most recently, 'Rich Men North of Richmond' sparked controversy for its political use, while 'Like That' stirred up a rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, leading to a temporary chart-topping battle.
