Eminem Achieves What Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Zach Bryan Could Not: A Billboard Milestone

Eminem And Mister Cartoon — Rapper Eminem at Bob & Charlie Roberts Spotlight Tattoo shop on May 8th, 1999 in Los Angeles, … [+] GETTY IMAGES

Eminem is back on top of the Billboard 200 this week with his new album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The rapper makes history with his latest winner, and he manages a feat that many other top-tier superstars in the music world could not.

The Death of Slim Shady is the first new No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since mid-May. That’s when Taylor Swift debuted her latest project, The Tortured Poets Department on top, scoring another massive champion. Ever since, she’s run the show, despite facing competition from some hugely popular artists.

Six musicians have debuted their new albums at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, coming in behind Swift’s unbeatable blockbuster. For months, even the biggest of names had to settle for second place, as The Tortured Poets Department proved too massive, week after week.

Dua Lipa was the first musician to stall right behind Swift. In early May, The Tortured Poets Department was still moving huge numbers, and the British pop star’s Radical Optimism couldn’t compete–though it did bring her to a new peak on the Billboard 200.

Since then, Gunna, Billie Eilish, Ateez, and Gracie Abrams have all peaked at No. 2 with new releases as well. Last week, Zach Bryan became the last artist to be blocked from No. 1 by Swift. His new album The Great American Bar Scene shot to second place after initially debuting outside the top 10.

The Tortured Poets Department led the Billboard 200 for 12 consecutive weeks. It shares the record for the second-most frames spent at No. 1 on the tally from a chart-topping debut. Swift is tied with Morgan Wallen for this bit of history, as his 2023 release One Thing at a Time managed the same showing.

Only one album has ruled for longer after starting at No. 1. Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life dominated the Billboard 200 for 13 consecutive frames, including its chart-owning debut.

Swift’s latest doesn’t just step away from the top spot, though. This week, her bestseller falls from No. 1 to No. 4. That’s quite the tumble after a dozen frames of uncontested domination.