Luther Archives - celebpeek

Kendrick Lamar, SZA

No Rap Songs In Billboard Hot 100
Top 40 For 1st Time Since 1990 As Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Exits Chart

For the first time in 35 years, the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 features zero rap songs following the exit of #KendrickLamar and #SZA’s song “Luther.”

The departure comes after #Billboard implemented a rule change that altered its retention criteria: songs must now hit certain thresholds, such as top 5 within 78 weeks or top 25 within 26 weeks, to remain on the chart. “Luther” dropped off despite finishing at No. 38, because it “failed to reach No. 25 after 26 weeks on the chart.”

The absence of rap in the Top 40 signals a shift in the genre’s commercial standing. Billboard noted this is “the latest sign of a recent dip in rap’s commercial dominance.” While rap tracks still appear lower on the chart, such as #YoungBoyNeverBrokeAgain at No. 44 and #CardiB at No. 48, none currently crack the Top 40.

Babyface‘s hit 1996 ballad “Every Time I Close My Eyes” was almost part of Luther Vandross‘ catalog.

The crooner took to Instagram on Monday (Sept. 8) sharing a photo of “the exact moment Luther said no to singing ‘Every Time I Close My Eyes.’”

Babyface admitted, “[It was] probably the best rejection I ever got because it became one of my biggest records…. But I still wish he would have sung it!”

Fans were tickled at the thought of Vandross saying no with a huge grin on his face— which would be very fitting. In light of the fun fact, one fan requested, “I’d love for you to one day release all the demos of you singing hits you gave to other artists!”

Meanwhile, others agreed that “[‘Every Time I Close My Eyes’] had Luther written all over it!”

“Every Time I Close My Eyes” was written, produced, and performed by Face. Mariah Carey was the featured artist along with Kenny G, who played saxophone. It was the second single from his fourth studio album, The Day. The Grammy-nominated record peaked No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

Years later, Babyface co-wrote “Grown Thangs” with Jon B for Vandross’ eponymous 2001 LP. Jon B produced the record and both men appeared on its backing vocals. That album was Vandross’ J Records label debut, but his 13th overall studio album. It also featured his hit modern-day single, “Take You Out.”

Luther

No Rap Songs In Billboard Hot 100Top 40 For 1st Time Since 1990 As Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Exits Chart

No Rap Songs In Billboard Hot 100
Top 40 For 1st Time Since 1990 As Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Exits Chart