WAP Scores Biggest Debut Streaming Numbers in History

by Ahalya Narayanan - 18.08.2020 First Published 18,August 2020, 2:27 PM

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion did not come to play. The rap duo were set to take over the rap game from the moment they announced their collaboration. And, well, their track ‘WAP’ has now officially done it all. As reported earlier today, the track has scored the largest streaming numbers for a song in its debut week, ever. In addition, it also sits atop the Billboard Hot 100, reigning supreme this week.

The #Hot100 top 10 (chart dated Aug. 22, 2020) pic.twitter.com/sBnJcUnqIZ
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) August 17, 2020

According to the latest numbers, ‘WAP’ by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion raked in a whopping 93 million streams in its debut week. This marks the highest streaming numbers for a debuting song ever, surpassing Ariana Grande’s record of 85.3 million with ‘7 rings’.

"WAP" also earns the second-biggest streaming week among songs by women overall, just below the 93.8 million that @ArianaGrande's "Thank U, Next" logged in its fifth week (Dec. 15, 2018), after the premiere of its official video.
— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) August 17, 2020

‘WAP’ Scores Major Gains

Further, their stay at the top of the charts marks the first time in Hot 100 history that a female hip-hop collaboration has scored No. 1. In addition to their massive history-making opening week numbers, the track also debuted at No. 1 on the Digital Song Sales chart with the biggest sales week of 2020. ‘WAP’ moved 125k units.

And, while the Billboard chart numbers report 93 million streams (according to their new calculation criteria), ‘WAP’ has earned a total of 117.3 million streams in the U.S in its first weeks alone. This includes streams counted as a part of bundles, merchandise and alternative format physical sales. And, to take the record-breaking just a step further, the track has also sold 907, 000 RIAA units in its first week of release.

Why ‘WAP’ Is a Historic Moment

‘WAP’ took over the music world, the internet and subsequently the world upon release. The sexually charged anthem has been front and center – being subject to debate, and a whole lot of discussion. The content of the track and its music video has been talked about in many different lights, now.

Further, the No. 1 secured by ‘WAP’ gives Cardi B her fourth Hot 100 #1 and Megan Thee Stallion, her second. And, one thing is for sure: this is an iconic moment in time – for women and hip-hop.

By: Ahalya Narayanan