Sometimes an act is so dominant that the only act that can dethrone it from atop the Billboard Hot 100 is … itself.
BTS is the latest example, as the group’s “Permission to Dance” replaces its own “Butter” atop the Hot 100 dated July 24.
Such a succession had last occurred three years ago this week, when Drake’s “In My Feelings” tagged in for his own “Nice for What” atop the Hot 100 dated July 21.
The Beatles first achieved the feat and are the only act to notch three consecutive No. 1s, as the band’s first three leaders ruled back-to-back-to-back in 1964: “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” (Usher almost tripled up consecutively, but Fantasia’s “I Believe” interrupted his run of three No. 1s in 2004, noted below.)
Further, Drake, Justin Bieber, Usher and The Beatles are the only acts with more than one takeover of their own songs atop the Hot 100. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift is the only solo female to earn the honor.
Here is a recap of all the acts whose conquerors atop the Hot 100 have been themselves.
BTS
“Permission to Dance” replaced “Butter,” July 24, 2021
Drake
“Nice for What” replaced “God’s Plan,” April 21, 2018
“In My Feelings” replaced “Nice for What,” July 21, 2018
Justin Bieber
“Love Yourself” replaced “Sorry,” Feb. 13, 2016
“Despacito” (by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Bieber) replaced “I’m the One” (by DJ Khaled feat. Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne), May 27, 2017
The Weeknd
“The Hills” replaced “Can’t Feel My Face,” Oct. 3, 2015
Taylor Swift
“Blank Space” replaced “Shake It Off,” Nov. 29, 2014
The Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” replaced “Boom Boom Pow,” July 11, 2009
T.I.
“Live Your Life” (feat. Rihanna) replaced “Whatever You Like,” Oct. 18, 2008
Usher
“Burn” replaced “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris), May 22, 2004
“Confessions Part II” replaced “Burn,” July 24, 2004
OutKast
“The Way You Move” (feat. Sleepy Brown) replaced “Hey Ya!,” Feb. 14, 2004
Nelly
“Dilemma” (feat. Kelly Rowland) replaced “Hot in Herre,” Aug. 17, 2002
Ja Rule
“Ain’t It Funny” (by Jennifer Lopez feat. Ja Rule) replaced “Always on Time,” March 9, 2002
Puff Daddy
“Mo Money Mo Problems” (by The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Puff Daddy & Mase) replaced “I’ll Be Missing You” (by Puff Daddy & Faith Evans feat. 112)
Boyz II Men
“On Bended Knee” replaced “I’ll Make Love to You,” Dec. 3, 1994
The Beatles
“She Loves You” replaced “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” March 21, 1964
“Can’t Buy Me Love” replaced “She Loves You,” April 4, 1964
