The music charts are constantly evolving, and this week’s lineup reflects a dynamic blend of collaborative efforts, introspective lyrics, and genre-fusing tracks.
Following his debut album, released on January 24, it is no surprise that London rapper Central Cee claims the No. 1 spot on the Charts this week. His collaborative single ‘GBP’ with Atlanta rapper 21 Savage has debuted at the top of the Hip Hop and R&B Charts, also securing No. 6 on the UK Singles Charts. The track’s success underscores its significance as a transatlantic collaboration, blending UK and US rap into a confident, gritty single.
Beaten by ‘GBP’ for the top position is the Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s second collaboration ‘Timeless.’ Opening with retro synths that evoke 1980s video game soundtracks, Carti’s laid-back flow paired with The Weeknd’s melodic sensibility has helped the song go viral particularly on TikTok.
‘Denial is a River’ stands out as a key track from Doechii’s 2024 album ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal.’ The song blends personal narrative with broader themes of self-deception and betrayal. The 1990s Hip-Hop influences, combined with conversational dialogue at the beginning of the track, give the single a reflective tone, propelling it to No. 3 on the Hip-Hop Charts this week.
A thread of visuals that Tyla released this year from her debut album, “Tyla.” https://t.co/YwblUTVUtE pic.twitter.com/yTSoIVwbrE — Camp Fit Pics (@CampFitPics) December 3, 2024
South African singer Tyla brings her vibrant sound with her song ‘Push 2 Start’, released in October 2024 as part of the deluxe edition of her debut studio album. The reggae-infused afrobeats blended with amapiano-R&B elements create infectious rhythms. Lyrically, the song is packed with metaphors, particularly surrounding cars and driving, emphasising her desire for a committed and engaging relationship.
‘Luther’ marks the eighth collaborative track between Kendrick Lamar and SZA, released last year ahead of their USA Tour this April and Superbowl Halftime Show. The love ballad blends contemporary R&B and Hip-Hop elements with lush string sections and 808 beats. Lamar delivers a heartfelt confession of love, while SZA’s choruses offer a woman’s perspective, adding depth to the storytelling.
SZA also claims sixth position with the track ‘BMF’, from her deluxe album SOS Deluxe: Lana. The song merges R&B and dance, with a retro bossa nova feel that transitions into a more upbeat, transformative sound. Drawing inspiration from ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ and Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, ‘BMF’ exemplifies SZA’s ability to blend various genres with infectious energy and relatable lyrics.
Taking seventh spot is American artist Tyler the Creator and English singer Loly Young with ‘Like Him’. From Tyler’s seventh studio album, ‘Chromakopia’, the song delves into Tyler’s absent father and the impact of this absence on his identity. It is characterised by soulful elements and piano-led production, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere and making this an introspective exploration of personal identity.
Another standout track from Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 album ‘GNX’, ‘TV Off’ featuring Lefty Gunplay, takes the eighth spot on the charts. The song critiques societal norms and materialism, with the recurring phrase “turn this TV off” acting as a metaphor for disengaging from mindless consumption. This single showcases Lamar’s continued influence in the genre.
NIGHTS LIKE THIS. pic.twitter.com/sFjF3eHEzc
— The Kid LAROI Updates (@thekidlaroii) January 11, 2024
The Kid LAROI’s viral hit ‘Nights Like This’ claims the No. 9 spot, continuing its impressive 32-week run on the Hip-Hop and R&B Charts. Its melancholic yet catchy blend of pop-rap and R&B features atmospheric synths and moody bassline, making it one of the standout tracks on his ‘FCK LOVE (Savage)*’ album released last year
Finally, The Weeknd’s ‘Save Your Tears’ holds strong on the UK Charts despite being released as part of his 2020 album ‘After Hours’. The track’s blend of retro synth-pop and new wave influences, along with its heavily reverbed, auto-tuned vocals, add a dreamy, detached feeling and has contributed to its continued success on the charts.
This week’s chart positions highlight the importance of collaborations between artists and emotional storytelling shaping the modern Hip-Hop and R&B scene. As artists continue to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds, the charts serve as a reflection of the exciting and diverse musical landscape we’re witnessing.