Kanye West Makes Billboard History with “Carnival,” Dethrones Beyoncé

Kanye West, the visionary rapper and producer, has etched his name in music history once again as his latest track “Carnival” ascends to the coveted No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100, dethroning Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Featured on Ye’s acclaimed Vultures 1 album alongside Ty Dolla $ign, “Carnival” also boasts contributions from Playboi Carti and Rich The Kid. Its meteoric rise to the top spot marks a monumental achievement for the Chicago native, solidifying his status as a chart-topping powerhouse.

In securing the No. 1 position, Kanye West breaks not one, but two new records. He becomes the first rapper in history to claim the top spot on the Hot 100 in three distinct decades—spanning the 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. Additionally, his reign atop the charts marks the longest run of No. 1 hits among rappers, surpassing his own milestone set over 20 years ago with the 2003 hit “Slow Jamz.”

The success of “Carnival” comes on the heels of Ye and Ty’s highly anticipated Vultures 1 album, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks following its release in February. While fans eagerly await the arrival of the album’s second installment, Vultures 2, originally slated for release on March 8, its launch has been delayed.

Kanye West has hinted at a unique distribution strategy for Vultures 2, suggesting that it may be exclusively available for purchase on his website, Yeezy.com, rather than through traditional streaming services. The move, if executed, would mark a departure from the industry norm and could revolutionize how artists connect with their audience.

In a candid exchange with a fan account on social media, Ye expressed his vision for the album’s release, emphasizing the potential of direct-to-consumer sales to circumvent industry intermediaries. His collaborator, Ty Dolla $ign, echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shift in the music industry paradigm to empower artists and ensure fair compensation.

As fans eagerly await further details on the release of Vultures 2, Kanye West’s historic achievement with “Carnival” underscores his enduring influence and innovative approach to music distribution in the digital age.