Kanye West returns to the top of the Hot 100 chart after 13 years

Kanye West returns to the top of the Hot 100 chart after 13 years, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. His latest track, "Carnival," a collaborative effort with Ty Dolla $ign, Rich the Kid, and Playboi Carti, has ascended to the coveted number one spot, reaffirming his dominance in the music industry.

This achievement not only solidifies West's status as a chart-topping artist but also places him in an exclusive league of music legends. With "Carnival" reigning supreme on the Hot 100, West's impressive track record of number one hits spans over two decades, a feat achieved by only a select few.

In fact, West joins an elite group of solo male acts who have attained the distinction of reaching number one on the Hot 100 chart and repeating the feat 20 years later. According to Billboard, this esteemed cohort includes iconic figures such as Elton John, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Rod Stewart. By accomplishing this remarkable feat, West underscores his enduring popularity and unparalleled longevity in the music industry.

In that esteemed cohort, John boasts the longest streak. His initial Hot 100 chart-topper dates back to 1973, with his most recent triumph occurring in 1998. This impressive run spans nearly a quarter-century, during which he has consistently delivered chart-topping hits.

Examining soloists exclusively, Jackson, Wonder, and Stewart achieve comparable feats with their chart-topping successes. The intervals between their first and most recent Hot 100 chart-toppers, at least thus far, are remarkably close, spanning approximately 22 years. Their achievements are closely aligned in terms of timing, with Jackson leading the trio by a small margin.

Achieving his latest chart-topper on the Hot 100 is a significant achievement for West, with profound implications beyond the 20-year interval since his first ascent to the summit. Notably, this milestone arrives amidst a turbulent period in his career, characterized by controversy stemming from his dissemination of anti-Semitic remarks via various online platforms and interviews. Consequently, West faced severe repercussions, including the loss of lucrative brand partnerships and widespread industry ostracization. However, despite these challenges, it appears that a segment of the public, albeit a selective one, remains undeterred in their support of the artist.