(Billboard) As he debuts as a guest (with 2 Chainz) on Juicy J’s “Bandz a Make Her Dance,” the Billboard Hot 100’s top debut at No. 71, the rapper ties Elvis Presley for the most Hot 100 appearances – 108 – among men. The pair trails only the “Glee” cast’s 204 visits for the most among all acts since the chart launched the week of Aug. 4, 1958. (Read on for more about the Fox TV troupe.)
Among solo males, Lil Wayne and Presley rank above James Brown, who’s third with 91 Hot 100 hits. Ray Charles places fourth with 74 entries, followed by Elton John (67).
Presley’s Hot 100 span encompasses the chart’s 1958 inception through 2003 (45 years and two months), when “Rubberneckin’ ” peaked at No 94. Lil Wayne has matched Presley’s total over 13 years, two months and three weeks, having first appeared the week of July 10, 1999.
Two caveats, however, to Lil Wayne having equaled the iconic King of Rock & Roll’s achievement: Presley’s career, and some of his signature hits, like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog,” predated the Hot 100’s inception. As Presley placed 31 titles on pre-Hot 100 Billboard airplay/sales/jukebox charts, according to Joel Whitburn’s “Top Pop Singles” reference book, he likely would’ve sent approximately that many more songs onto the Hot 100 had it existed when he arrived.
Presley was also billed as the lead artist on all 108 of his chart hits, while Weezy has been the lead on 42 of his, showing as a featured act on his other 66. Not that Lil Wayne hasn’t enjoyed laudable Hot 100 accolades. He’s notched two No. 1s: 2008’s “Lollipop” and 2009’s “Down,” on which he assisted Jay Sean. Fifty-seven of his Hot 100 entries have reached the top 40 and 17, the top 10 (compared to Presley’s 80 and 25, respectively).
As he matches Presley’s historic mark, Lil Wayne’s latest Hot 100 entry as a lead, “No Worries,” featuring Detail, rises 96-58 in its second week.
