Drake has added yet another jaw-dropping achievement to an already untouchable music résumé. By keeping three separate projects on the Billboard 200 for 10 years each, Drake has cemented an unbreakable legacy just ahead of his highly anticipated new album, ICEMAN, which is set for release on May 15.
While many musicians struggle to maintain relevance for a single summer, the OVO founder is proving that his back catalog holds generational staying power. According to Chart Data, the record-breaking moment occurred on May 12, 2026, when his 2016 blockbuster Views officially crossed the 520-week threshold, climbing back up to No. 36 on the chart.
As he prepares to usher in a new musical era, it is the perfect time to look back at the historic albums that made this Billboard milestone a reality, and how Drake continues to rewrite the rules of modern hip-hop and R&B.
Surpassing the King of Pop
Before this historic milestone, Michael Jackson held the benchmark for male solo artists with two albums charting for over a decade: his legendary 1982 masterpiece Thriller and the compilation The Essential Michael Jackson. By pushing a third project past the 520-week mark, Drake officially dethroned the King of Pop in this specific longevity category.
It is not the first time the two icons have shared chart history, as they are currently tied for the most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles by a male solo artist, boasting 13 each. The Canadian rapper has frequently acknowledged these statistical parallels throughout his career, even referencing the intense chart chase on his hit collaboration “First Person Shooter.”
The Three Legendary Albums
Reaching a decade on the Billboard 200 requires absolute cultural permeation, and the three projects responsible for this feat undeniably shaped the 2010s.
- The longest-charting release in his catalog is 2011’s Take Care, a defining hip-hop and R&B fusion powered by atmospheric anthems like “Marvins Room.”
- Following closely behind is his 2013 opus, Nothing Was the Same, which officially crossed the 10-year mark in late April 2026 thanks to the timeless appeal of stadium hits like “Started From the Bottom.”
- Finally, his 2016 blockbuster Views completed the record-breaking trifecta this week, securing the milestone with its dominant, inescapable blend of rap, pop, and dancehall-inspired rhythms.
Mastering the Streaming Era
The music industry has drastically evolved since Take Care first dropped, shifting from physical sales to the current streaming-dominated landscape. Sustaining multi-album dominance across these massive technological transitions proves that Drake is a master of commercial adaptation. His unique ability to craft highly replayable, playlist-friendly tracks ensures that younger audiences continue discovering his older work while longtime fans keep it on heavy rotation.
Having all ten of his studio albums currently charting on the Billboard 200 at the same time is a profound testament to that unparalleled, decade-spanning catalog strength.
Paving the Way for ‘ICEMAN’
The timing of this historic accomplishment could not have been scripted any better by the OVO team. The Billboard record arrives just days before the scheduled May 15 release of his highly anticipated ninth studio album, ICEMAN. Anticipation for the brand-new musical era is already at a fever pitch following cryptic teasers, cinematic visuals, and a highly experimental rollout campaign. Breaking a major longevity record right before dropping a fresh project serves as a powerful reminder to both critics and fans that betting against the 6 God’s commercial viability remains an absolute losing game.
Which of Drake’s three decade-long albums do you think has the highest replay value? Sound off with your favorite tracks in the comments below!
