When it comes to dominating the music charts, few artists can rival the monumental success of The Beatles and Drake. Both have made their indelible mark on the music world, but the question remains: who holds the most #1 hits? The Beatles, with their legendary status and unmatched influence, or Drake, the modern-day rap king, who has become a fixture on global music charts?
Let’s break down the number of #1 hits each artist has had and explore how their careers and eras have shaped their chart-topping success. Let’s get into the competition between these two musical giants.
1. The Beatles’ Legacy of Chart-Topping Hits
The Beatles, often hailed as the greatest band of all time, achieved incredible success throughout their relatively short career. Between 1964 and 1970, they amassed an astounding 20 #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Their innovative sound, charismatic personalities, and timeless appeal helped them achieve global recognition, making their music resonate across generations.
Songs like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” not only dominated the charts but became cultural landmarks. Despite the band’s breakup in 1970, their music continues to inspire artists and influence popular culture, maintaining a legacy that keeps their number of #1 hits unchallenged for decades.
2. Drake’s Reign on the Billboard Hot 100
In comparison, Drake has enjoyed a more contemporary reign on the charts, with a staggering number of #1 hits. As of 2025, the Canadian rapper has secured 11 #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, a remarkable achievement that highlights his dominance in modern hip-hop and mainstream music. His ability to blend rap with other genres, including R&B, pop, and dancehall, has made him an inescapable figure on the charts.
Drake’s singles like “God’s Plan,” “Hotline Bling,” and “In My Feelings” have consistently captured the public’s attention, contributing to his rapid rise to the top. Although his career is far from over, Drake’s already impressive catalog of hits suggests that his legacy is only beginning to take shape.
Drake (image via Getty)3. Comparing the Eras: The Beatles vs. Drake
While both The Beatles and Drake have reached #1, the time periods in which they achieved their successes are vastly different. The Beatles’ rise coincided with the era of vinyl records and the early days of the modern pop charts. In their time, chart rankings were less frequent, and there were fewer tracks released each year, meaning fewer opportunities to secure a #1 hit.
On the other hand, Drake operates in a digital age where streaming platforms and social media play an essential role in an artist’s reach. With the rise of Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, it’s easier than ever for an artist to garner massive streaming numbers and secure chart-topping singles. This difference in era means that while The Beatles had an extraordinary run, Drake’s access to digital resources gives him an advantage in terms of chart presence and visibility.
Drake (image via Getty)4. The Impact of Streaming on Drake’s Success
Drake’s success is undeniably tied to the rise of streaming, and this has influenced his ability to dominate the charts. Unlike The Beatles, who built their empire through traditional sales and radio play, Drake’s music is streamed millions of times daily. This access to a global audience through platforms like Spotify and Apple Music means that his singles often enjoy longer chart runs and consistent visibility.
In fact, Drake has set numerous records for streaming, including holding the record for the most-streamed artist on Spotify in a single year. As a result, while The Beatles’ 20 #1 hits remain an extraordinary feat from a pre-digital era, Drake’s continued chart presence through streaming ensures that his impact on the Billboard Hot 100 is significant and growing.