Tems Reclaims Top Spot on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart with "What You Need"

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has once again ascended to the pinnacle of Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, marking her fourth career No. 1 on the prestigious list. Her hit single, "What You Need," now reigns supreme for the chart dated July 4, a significant return to the summit for the acclaimed artist since her last chart-topping achievement in 2022.

The compelling track, released and promoted through Since 93/RCA Records, has demonstrated remarkable staying power and audience appeal. Its climb to the No. 1 position signifies its status as the most-played song across mainstream R&B and hip-hop radio stations in the United States during the tracking week of June 19-25, as meticulously reported by Luminate. This accomplishment is a testament to Tems’ growing influence and the widespread embrace of her distinctive musical style by radio programmers and listeners alike.

"What You Need" unseats the previous chart-topper, Rick Ross, French Montana, and Max B’s "Minks in Miami," which now slides to the No. 5 position after enjoying a week at the helm. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of radio airplay and the constant evolution of popular music trends.

A History of Chart Dominance

This latest No. 1 extends Tems’ impressive streak on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Her journey to the top began in 2021 when she featured on Wizkid’s global smash "Essence." That collaboration spent an extraordinary 10 weeks at No. 1, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon and introducing Tems to a wider international audience.

The year 2022 proved to be another banner year for the artist, with two more chart-topping singles. First, she was a pivotal featured artist on Future’s "Wait for U," alongside Drake. This powerful collaboration held the No. 1 spot for a then-record-breaking 16 weeks, showcasing the immense commercial viability of Tems’ vocal contributions. Later that same year, Tems achieved a solo No. 1 with her critically acclaimed track "Free Mind," which commanded the top position for two weeks, further solidifying her status as a solo force in the industry.

Expanding Reach Across Billboard Charts

Beyond her triumph on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, "What You Need" is also making significant waves across other key Billboard metrics. On the Adult R&B Airplay chart, the single has climbed an impressive 23-16. Notably, it earned the "Greatest Gainer" distinction for the week, signifying the largest increase in radio plays within that format. This dual success across mainstream and adult-oriented R&B radio highlights the song’s broad appeal.

The combined airplay strength from these two formats contributes to "What You Need’s" continued strong performance on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, which aggregates audience totals from both mainstream and adult R&B stations. Despite no change in its ranking at No. 3, the track experienced a substantial 12% surge in weekly audience, reaching 13.1 million listeners in the latest tracking period.

This burgeoning popularity is also translating into gains on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, which measures overall audience across all radio formats. "What You Need" has risen from No. 39 to No. 32, garnering an audience of 16 million, also up by 12%. This indicates that Tems’ music is resonating not just within specific genre categories but also across the broader radio landscape.

"Raindance" Adds to Tems’ Airplay Momentum

Adding to Tems’ considerable presence on the airwaves is her collaboration with UK rapper Dave on the track "Raindance." This joint effort is also demonstrating significant upward momentum across multiple radio formats. "Raindance" has ascended to No. 6 on the Rap Airplay chart, climbed to No. 8 on Rhythmic Airplay, and reached No. 14 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. Furthermore, it holds the No. 16 position on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and has entered the Radio Songs chart at No. 37. The simultaneous success of "What You Need" and "Raindance" underscores Tems’ versatility and her ability to connect with diverse audiences through her distinct vocal talents and artistic collaborations.

Context and Background

"What You Need" is featured on Tems’ latest EP, Love is a Kingdom, which was released in November 2025. The EP has been met with critical acclaim, further solidifying Tems’ reputation as a leading voice in contemporary African music. Her distinctive blend of soulful vocals, evocative lyrics, and genre-bending production has garnered her a dedicated global fanbase and critical praise.

The BET Awards 2026, held on June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, featured Tems delivering a powerful performance, as captured in promotional imagery. While the specific setlist or any announcements made during the event are not detailed in the provided content, her appearance at such a prominent music industry gathering often correlates with increased media attention and subsequent boosts in music consumption and airplay. Such high-profile performances serve as significant platforms for artists to connect with fans and introduce their music to new audiences, potentially contributing to the sustained success of tracks like "What You Need."

Analysis of Implications

Tems’ consistent performance on Billboard charts, particularly the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, signifies a crucial validation of her artistry within the commercial music landscape. Her ability to achieve multiple No. 1s on this highly competitive chart demonstrates not only her individual talent but also the growing influence and marketability of Afrobeats and related African music genres within the United States.

The success of "What You Need" and "Raindance" across various radio formats, including the all-genre Radio Songs chart, indicates a broadening appeal for Tems’ music beyond its core R&B and hip-hop fan base. This wider acceptance can translate into increased streaming numbers, greater touring opportunities, and a more significant global footprint for the artist.

Furthermore, the consistent charting of her EP Love is a Kingdom alongside these single successes suggests a strong and engaged listenership for Tems’ more extensive bodies of work. This sustained engagement is vital for artists aiming for long-term career success and cultural impact. The fact that "What You Need" is from a 2025 EP and continues to gain traction in mid-2026 highlights its enduring quality and Tems’ ability to maintain relevance in a fast-paced music industry.

The sustained success of Tems on the Billboard charts is not merely a personal triumph but also a significant development for the broader landscape of global music. It underscores the increasing interconnectedness of musical styles and the growing appetite for diverse sounds from artists worldwide. As Tems continues to release new music and engage with her audience through live performances and media appearances, her influence on the music industry is poised to grow even further. Her consistent chart presence serves as a powerful indicator of her established position as a leading artist in contemporary music, both domestically and internationally. The trajectory of her career suggests a future filled with continued artistic innovation and commercial success, solidifying her legacy as a groundbreaking artist.