Michael Jackson Ties His Own Longest Run At No. 1

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentMichael Jackson Ties His Own Longest Run At No. 1ByHugh McIntyre,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.Follow AuthorJun 14, 2026, 08:00am EDTMichael Jackson's "Billie Jean" ties as high longest-running No. 1 on the R&B Streaming Songs chart, matching "Thriller" with a fifth frame in charge. American Pop singer Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) performs on stage at Madison Square Garden during the 'Bad Tour,' New York, New York, March 5, 1988. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMuch of the music Drake included on his recently released three albums, Iceman, Habibti and Maid of Honour, can be classified as either hip-hop or rap, though there are quite a few tunes from this latest chapter of the superstar's career that fit perfectly under the R&B label. When that trio of projects debuted, Drake completely dominated Billboard's hip-hop and rap tallies, and he performed incredibly well on R&B-focused listings as well. The superstar's power over the latter rundowns has begun to wane, and that allows several of Michael Jackson's most famous compositions to climb again on various Billboard tallies that are centered around R&B music. He once again leads the R&B Streaming Songs chart, keeping himself from scoring a new No. 1 and tying his most impressive streak at the summit."Billie Jean" Holds at No. 1"Billie Jean" holds at No. 1 on the R&B Streaming Songs chart, as it is once again the most-played R&B tune on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and others throughout the United States. The Thriller single has spent 22 weeks on the list, five of which have been at No. 1 as of this frame. "Billie Jean" debuted on the R&B Streaming Songs ranking back in April 2013, but it wasn't until only about a m...