Fans are just a tad ballistic over Drake's absence on this week’s Billboard Hot 100, as Kendrick Lamar claims the top three positions. Fans jokingly shared their so-called “concern” for the Toronto artist.
With tracks such as Not Like Us, Luther, and TV Off dominating the chart, one tweet encapsulated the sentiment flawlessly:
“literally said ‘IM THE BIG THREE’ 😭,”
Drake frequently appears at the peak of these charts - or at least did, so this week’s Hot 100, led by Lamar, seemed like a significant shift to said fans. Supporters couldn't resist taking to social media with their jokes, and it appears the stan community has designated Lamar as the king of chart dominance, at least for the moment.
Fans poke fun at Drake’s absence as Kendrick Lamar takes over the Billboard Hot 100
Kendrick's achievement sent fans into a frenzy, with social media quickly filling up with humorous quips and playful (hot) takes on the situation. One fan (via @kingflaymes) tweeted,
“Drake after viewing this chart” paired with a meme of a man weeping and serving himself a drink, in response to seeing Kendrick’s trio of hits, Not Like Us, Luther, and TV Off, holding steady at the top of the chart.
The fact that Lamar claimed these positions has led to comparisons with Ariana Grande’s iconic feat of dominating the top three Billboard spots back in 2019, prompting one user (via @imnotpopbase) to comment,
“not Kendrick pulling an Ariana.”
In a jab at Drake, fans also jokingly wondered where his recent releases - whole album! - had disappeared. One tweet exclaimed (via @maadcitty)
“Where is Drake? I thought he dropped his album LMAOOOOO,”
while another (via @LeeLovesBey) poked fun at the absence of Lady Gaga's latest track with
“I don’t see the alleged smash hit Abracadabra.”
The playful jabs continued with another fan pointing out,
“I don’t see Drake,”
and another (via @debayo_xx) quipped,
“some sneaks here,” referring to Lamar’s quiet yet dominating chart success.
But despite the jokes, it’s clear that Lamar’s current singles are resonating with listeners, with one fan (via @Lancelot_eth) wrapping up the mood:
“They all so catchy.”
Kendrick's cultural relevance and Drake’s unexpected absence
Kendrick Lamar has been an artist recognized for producing music that connects both critically and culturally, and his recent achievement on the Billboard Hot 100 adds to his accolades.
With his tracks securing the top three positions, Lamar’s impact goes beyond mere chart rankings—it highlights his skill to engage and expand musical (and cultural) limits.
His supremacy on the charts this week evokes memories of previous record-breaking moments, reminding fans of the enduring influence of artists such as Ariana Grande, who also succeeded in monopolizing the top three spots.
Meanwhile, Drake’s noticeable absence from the top spots has sparked jokes online, but it also hints at the hyper-competitive nature of today’s music industry. While Drake has been an undeniable chart-topper for years, Lamar’s recent takeover highlights the dynamic shifts in musical trends and audience tastes.
Fans’ (very funny) concern for Drake is just a testament to how used they are to seeing the rapper's name in the Billboard rankings. The Hot 100 has long been considered a cultural barometer of an artist’s relevance, and this week's chart demonstrates the Compton-born rapper’s continued cultural weight in the industry.

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