Bruno Mars is typically referred to first and foremost as a pop star, but a quick look at his history on the Billboard charts – as well as his shelf filled with Grammys – shows that the music industry regards him not just as a hitmaker in that style, but also an R&B powerhouse. Much of Mars’s output has leaned heavily on R&B hits and movements from the past, and thus he is often eligible to reach and perform very well on a number of R&B-only rankings.
Once again this week, Mars claims the biggest R&B smash in the United States, and as he dominates one tally yet again, the singer, songwriter and producer advances on the list of the most successful artists of all time and claims one of the five sturdiest No. 1s ever.
Bruno Mars Rules With “I Just Might” – Again
“I Just Might” by Mars, the lead single from his recently released album The Romantic, is steady atop the Hot R&B Songs chart. Mars’s cut has now led the charge on Billboard‘s ranking of the most-consumed tracks in the nation that can be classified specifically as R&B for 23 weeks. “I Just Might” debuted atop the rundown in mid-January, and has yet to step down even one spot.
“I Just Might” Passes Tommy Richman’s Smash
With 23 weeks atop the Hot R&B Songs chart to its credit, “I Just Might” now stands alone as the fifth-longest-running No. 1 of all time. Only a few days ago, “I Just Might” was on the same level as “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman. The two jointly claimed to be the fifth-longest-reigning successes, but now, as “I Just Might” advances, Richman’s sole major smash in America dips slightly to sixth place on the historic tally.
Bruno Mars Trails SZA – Twice
It will be nearly two months before “I Just Might” has a shot at climbing the historic ranking again. SZA’s “Kill Bill” ranks in fourth place with 30 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot R&B Songs chart to its name.
SZA actually claims the next two longest-ruling tunes as her own. “Snooze” bested “Kill Bill” by two frames, spending a total of 32 periods running the show between 2023 and 2024.
“I Just Might” continues to perform incredibly well when it comes to the three metrics that fuel the Hot R&B Songs chart: sales, streams and airplay. Whether Mars can keep the track in the penthouse for more than half a dozen additional stints to tie, and then possibly beat, SZA is certainly a tall order – but not impossible.
The Weeknd Still Holds the All-Time Record
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” may forever hold the record for the most time in the highest spot on the Hot R&B Songs chart. That cross-genre cut stood out as the biggest winner for an incredible 48 weeks starting in 2020. “Mutt” by Leon Thomas, which helped turn him from a successful songwriter into a star in his own right, dominated for 34 frames just last year.
“I Just Might” Remains at No. 1 on the Radio Chart
“I Just Might” lives inside the top five on the R&B Streaming Songs and R&B Digital Song Sales charts this week. Constant spins across radio stations throughout the U.S. also play a huge role in the continued dominance enjoyed by Mars’s single. The track is once again comfortable at No. 1 on the Radio Songs rundown, where it ties as the fourth-longest-ruling smash ever.
