DaBaby’s "Pop Dat Thang" Claims Top Spot on Billboard Hot Rap Songs Chart for the First Time in Nearly Six Years

DaBaby has achieved his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart in almost six years with his track "Pop Dat Thang," marking a significant return to the pinnacle of the genre’s airplay and streaming landscape. The chart date of May 16 sees the single ascend to the coveted top position, supplanting Don Toliver’s long-standing hit "E85." This achievement signifies DaBaby’s resurgence in the competitive rap arena and underscores the enduring appeal of his signature sound.

The chart reign of "Pop Dat Thang" is particularly noteworthy as it marks DaBaby’s second career No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. His previous chart-topping success came in 2020 with the mega-hit "Rockstar," featuring Roddy Ricch. That track enjoyed an impressive nine-week run at the top, from June to August of that year, cementing DaBaby’s status as a dominant force in hip-hop. The current success of "Pop Dat Thang" suggests a renewed momentum for the artist, who has been actively releasing new material and engaging with his fanbase.

A Strategic Remix Fuels Chart Ascent

The upward trajectory of "Pop Dat Thang" was significantly amplified by the release of a high-profile remix featuring a formidable lineup of female artists: GloRilla, Yung Miami, and YKNIECE. This collaborative effort injected fresh energy into the track, broadening its appeal and driving substantial engagement across streaming platforms and radio. The remix played a crucial role in the song’s impressive gains in all three of the primary metrics that contribute to the Hot Rap Songs chart: streaming, radio airplay, and track sales.

According to data from Luminate, for the tracking week of May 1-7, "Pop Dat Thang" garnered 8 million official streams in the United States. This represents a significant 24% increase in streaming figures from the previous week, directly attributable to the impact of the remix’s release. Radio airplay audience impressions also saw a healthy increase of 7%, reaching 20.1 million. While track sales contributed a negligible amount, the overall surge in performance was enough to propel the song to the number one position. The strategic inclusion of established and emerging female artists on the remix not only added sonic diversity but also tapped into their respective fan bases, creating a powerful synergy that translated into chart success.

Dominance Across Multiple Billboard Charts

Beyond its triumph on the Hot Rap Songs chart, "Pop Dat Thang" has also made its mark on other key Billboard rankings. The single now claims the top spot on the Rap Airplay chart for the first time, climbing from the No. 2 position. This marks DaBaby’s fifth No. 1 on this radio-centric ranking. His previous No. 1s on Rap Airplay include "Suge" (which held the top spot for 15 weeks in 2019), "BOP" (one week in 2020), "Rockstar" (10 weeks in 2020), and his featured appearance on Pop Smoke’s "For the Night" alongside Lil Baby (eight weeks in 2021).

The song’s broader appeal is further evidenced by its performance on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it has risen to No. 5. On the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, "Pop Dat Thang" has surged to No. 26, demonstrating its crossover potential and widespread listenership. In the radio landscape, the single is also making waves, advancing to No. 3 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart and holding steady at No. 3 for a third consecutive week on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. The cumulative impact of this radio support has also contributed to a lift on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, where "Pop Dat Thang" has moved up to No. 29.

Contextualizing DaBaby’s Chart Success

The success of "Pop Dat Thang" comes as DaBaby’s latest album, Be More Grateful, released in January, continues to resonate with audiences. The album debuted at No. 6 on the Top Rap Albums chart, marking DaBaby’s fifth top 10 project on that particular ranking. This indicates a consistent ability to produce commercially successful bodies of work that appeal to the hip-hop market.

DaBaby, born Jonathan Kirk, first gained widespread recognition in the late 2010s with his energetic performances and distinctive flow. His debut studio album, Baby on Baby, released in 2019, featured the hit single "Suge," which introduced him to a mainstream audience. His follow-up album, Kirk, also released in 2019, further solidified his position with hits like "BOP." The release of Blame It on DaBaby in 2020, a double album featuring Kirk and Baby on Baby, showcased his prolific output.

The year 2020 proved to be a pivotal moment in DaBaby’s career, largely due to the overwhelming success of "Rockstar." The song, a collaboration with Roddy Ricch, became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim, including Grammy nominations. Its blend of trap beats, catchy hooks, and DaBaby’s aggressive delivery resonated with a massive audience, making it one of the defining songs of that year. The subsequent success of his album Blame It on DaBaby further cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop.

A Look at the Competition and Chart Dynamics

The dethroning of Don Toliver’s "E85" from the No. 1 spot on Hot Rap Songs signifies a shift in the chart’s dynamics. "E85," featuring Alicia Keys and Kanye West, had enjoyed an impressive 11-week run at the summit, showcasing its significant popularity and staying power. Toliver, known for his melodic approach and distinct vocal style, has become a consistent presence on the charts, with "E85" being a testament to his artistry. The fact that "Pop Dat Thang" was able to unseat such a strong contender highlights the momentum and widespread appeal the track has generated.

The Hot Rap Songs chart, in particular, is a multi-metric ranking that reflects the consumption of rap music across streaming, radio airplay, and track sales. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of a song’s popularity within the genre. DaBaby’s success on this chart indicates a strong performance across all these consumption pillars. The significant streaming numbers, particularly, point to the track’s virality and its ability to capture the attention of digital audiences.

Analysis of Implications and Future Outlook

DaBaby’s return to the top of the Hot Rap Songs chart carries several implications for his career and the broader hip-hop landscape. Firstly, it demonstrates his ability to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving music industry. The strategic use of remixes and collaborations, as seen with the "Pop Dat Thang" remix, is a proven method for artists to expand their reach and capitalize on existing popularity. The inclusion of GloRilla and Yung Miami, both artists with significant followings and a strong presence in the current rap scene, was a shrewd move that clearly paid dividends.

Secondly, this success suggests that DaBaby’s core fanbase remains strong and actively engaged. Despite the occasional controversies that have surrounded the artist, his music continues to connect with a significant segment of the hip-hop audience. The consistent performance of his albums on the charts further supports this notion.

The implications also extend to the artists featured on the remix. GloRilla, who has been steadily building her career with hits like "F.N.F. (Let’s Go)," and Yung Miami, a prominent member of the duo City Girls and a burgeoning solo artist, both benefit from the exposure that comes with a chart-topping track. Their involvement not only boosts "Pop Dat Thang" but also reinforces their own positions as influential figures in contemporary female hip-hop.

Looking ahead, DaBaby’s renewed chart success could pave the way for further opportunities. It may lead to increased interest in his upcoming projects, more high-profile collaborations, and a strengthened position in live performances and touring. The continued strong performance of "Pop Dat Thang" across various charts will be closely watched to see if it can maintain its momentum and achieve even greater chart longevity. The artist’s ability to consistently deliver hits and maintain a significant presence on the Billboard charts underscores his resilience and his enduring impact on the rap genre. The music industry will be observing to see how DaBaby leverages this latest chart success to further his career trajectory in the coming months and years.