Bruno Mars Will Match Record With Thirty-One Weeks
The singer's track I Just Might is set to tie the record for the longest run at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in R&B
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Bruno Mars is set to reach 31 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for his track I Just Might. This historic run ties the record previously established by Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their song Luther.
Why it matters
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the history of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, which has tracked popular music performance since October 1958.
During the tracking week of September 25-October 1, the song recorded 5.3 million official streams, 51.9 million in airplay audience, and 1,000 sales in the United States.
The players
Bruno Mars
He is a globally recognized singer-songwriter and producer who has achieved five No. 1 songs on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Kendrick Lamar
He is an influential rapper and songwriter who co-holds the previous record for the longest run at No. 1 on the chart with his song Luther.
SZA
She is a prominent R&B artist known for her chart-topping collaborations and critical success in the contemporary music landscape.
Drake
He is a high-profile recording artist whose recent releases are expected to impact the chart rankings in the coming week.
Atlantic Records
This major record label serves as the distributor for the song I Just Might.
The details
The song, released via Atlantic Records, debuted at the top of the ranking on January 24, 2026. It has maintained a dominant presence across radio formats, topping the Pop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay charts while holding the No. 2 position on the Adult R&B Airplay ranking.
Timeline
October 1958: The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart was established.
January 24, 2026: I Just Might debuted at No. 1 on the chart.
May-July 2026: Drake's song Janice STFU held the No. 1 position for seven weeks.
September 25-October 1, 2026: Tracking week for streaming, airplay, and sales data.
October 2, 2026: Drake released new tracks from his HABIBTI album.
Industry Dynamics
This chart performance highlights the enduring impact of established superstars in an era defined by the ongoing competition for streaming dominance. By tying the record set by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Bruno Mars reaffirms the power of long-form airplay and consistent digital consumption.
Listeners can continue to stream the song across all major music platforms where it remains in heavy rotation. The sustained chart performance ensures the track maintains high visibility on mainstream radio and streaming playlists throughout the United States.
The takeaway
The sustained success of this single reflects the continued importance of radio airplay in maintaining chart momentum for major pop artists. Maintaining a top position for over half a year remains a rare feat in the current fragmented music streaming environment.
What happens next
New tracks released by Drake on October 2 are expected to influence the chart rankings in the following week, potentially challenging the current No. 1 standing of I Just Might.
Further reading
Explore more industry trends on the R&B section page.
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